Taxi drivers protest customs checks in Nicosia

Taxi drivers held a strike on Tuesday to protest the customs department’s decision to check whether they filled their tanks with fuel from the north, disrupting rush hour traffic in the capital.

The strike affected traffic in areas of Strovolos, particularly on Strovolos Avenue and Athalassa Avenues, police said.

The drivers initially blocked the roundabout outside the presidential palace before moving to the Ayios Dhometios crossing point.

Supported by the Pancyprian intercity taxis, the work stoppage started at 6.30am.

In their announcement, taxi drivers mentioned the “threatening and extortionate” treatment by an official of the finance ministry whose actions was “offensive” towards professional taxi drivers.

The decision to strike followed an impromptu protest on Saturday where a group of taxi drivers blocked the Ayios Dhometios crossing point with their cars for several hours.

The protest took place after driver attempted to cross to the north earlier that day and the Greek Cypriot officer asked to check the vehicle’s fuel gauge to make sure he did not attempt to fill it with fuel.