The taxi sector in the province of Alicante has urgently decided to suspend the general mobilisation and demonstration scheduled for today Monday, 1st June, following the approval of a decree law by the Consell that will regulate the urban transport competence framework.
The decision was made by the Board of Directors of Radio Tele Taxi Alicante, who believe it is necessary to thoroughly analyse the final text of the decree before moving forward with any protest actions. According to the organisation, taking part in a demonstration without knowing the contents of the official decree could reduce the effectiveness of the group’s demands.
Despite putting the protest on hold, taxi drivers remain deeply concerned about how the new regulations might impact the future of their sector. Radio Tele Taxi Alicante maintains that the information released so far is damaging to their interests, and they have warned of potential consequences for urban mobility if the public service provided by taxis is weakened.
Councils must now take responsibility
Following the approval of the decree, the group believes that the responsibility now falls directly on local authorities. In light of this, they are calling for a coordinated response not only from Alicante City Council, as the main municipality, but also from all the other municipalities within the Joint Service Area (APC).
The sector trusts that local councils will act quickly, utilising the planning and intervention powers granted to them by regional regulations to develop harmonised local regulations throughout the entire metropolitan area.
Among the primary objectives set by the group are correcting current market imbalances, combating unfair competition, and ensuring the long-term viability of taxi licences, which they describe as an essential service for urban mobility.
Urgent meetings requested
The Board of Directors has also announced that it will formally convey its position to the relevant government departments and will request the immediate convening of working groups with municipal officials.
Specifically, they will request meetings with the Security and Mobility departments of Alicante City Council, as well as with representatives from the other municipalities that make up the metropolitan area.
The sector warns that maintaining social peace will ultimately depend on political will and the commitment shown by local councils in the coming weeks to respond to the demands put forward by taxi professionals.
