Jersey taxi drivers 'strike' after talks break down over fares
Rank taxi drivers in Jersey are staging a "lightning strike" this morning, in protest against fare changes.
The Infrastructure Minister is temporarily allowing private hire taxis to pick up from ranks at the airport and harbour to ease the problem.
Deputy Eddie Noel announced plans to increase prices by 4.6%, but drivers say that doesn't take into account extra costs they have to pay as part of major reforms.
Talks have been underway with Deputy Eddie Noel and Jersey Taxi Drivers Association since a strike in December, but the association claim they have now broken down.
The Department for Infrastructure want to introduce a 'one price system' for all taxi drivers in Jersey.
The changes mean that private and ranked taxis in the island will have to charge passengers the same fare - except private companies will have the option to charge a booking fee.
The Department for Infrastructure say passengers could be charged extra for things like baggage and for more than one person using the taxi.
These extras have been incorporated into an additional flat fee of 20p per journey.
Companies offering pre-booked journeys may also charge an additional declared fixed percentage or fixed fee above the new taxi-cab tariff.
The decision comes after the Minister announced major reforms to Jersey's taxi industry in 2015.