Taxi drivers in Limassol staged a four-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, blocking key roundabouts and threatening potential airport disruptions if authorities fail to address their concerns about illegal competition.
The strike, which is ongoing from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., saw drivers blocking the St. Nicholas roundabout before moving to the casino roundabout near Trachoni and later returning to the old port area.
Dinos Constantinou, president of the Pancyprian Federation of Urban Taxis (POAT), warned of escalation if the situation remains unaddressed. “If there are no mobilisations with strict controls from the relevant authorities within three weeks, drivers will proceed with stronger nationwide measures, including closing airports,” Constantinou told reporters at the protest site.
The federation stated the timing and location were deliberately chosen to minimise impact on schools and commuters while avoiding disruption to airport operations. “Our aim is not to inconvenience the public, but to highlight the serious issues affecting our sector,” POAT said in a statement.
POAT’s primary complaint centres on what they describe as “uncontrolled operations of illegal taxis” at roadways, taxi stands, ports and airports, which they claim operate without paying mandatory contributions, taxes and VAT while depriving licensed drivers of income.
The federation is demanding immediate police supervision, oversight and checks for undeclared work across the sector.
The Ministry of Transport responded with data suggesting taxi drivers themselves contribute to industry problems.
Sources from the ministry noted that road transport officials conducted inspections on more than 10,000 taxis in 2023 and over 11,000 in 2024, resulting in 138 and 171 drivers respectively being reported for violations.
Official figures show 44 violations related to taximeters in 2023 and 55 in 2024. Other common infractions included operating without valid professional licences, expired vehicle registration documents, and outdated roadworthiness certificates.
“Urban taxi drivers continue to worry about protection from organised illegal operators while ignoring the fact that they themselves may be part of the problem,” ministry sources stated. “Despite the need to intensify efforts against illegal operations, it appears that taxi drivers’ own actions undermine the reliability and safety of the sector”.