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Birmingham city centre has been brought to a standstill as protesting cabbies have reportedly 'blocked off a major route'.

Twenty black cabs have allegedly parked in the Smallbrook Queensway tunnel, sparking hour-long delays for frustrated commuters during the Thursday rush hour.

West Midlands Police said it has been made aware of the protest - which is thought to be over the new congestion charge set for Birmingham.

Twenty taxis are reportedly parked up in the tunnel amid fears the black cab trade will be 'decimated' by the Clean Air Zone.

Witnesses said they sat watching as black cab drivers allegedly 'actively blocked' exits at Smallbrook Queensway shortly after 6pm this evening.

It is believed part of the protest is also taking place on Holloway Circus.

A spokeswoman for the West Midlands Police said said: "We are aware of the protests - we have just been made aware of the fact that it’s happening.



"Around 20 have parked under Smallbrook Queensway tunnel."

TOA Taxis claims the action has been planned by a taxi union.

A manager from TOA said: "It is being run by the union. There are a few, a handful of our drivers who have taken individual action. But we have had nothing to do with it."

A map captures the gridlock across the city centre, as ALL bus services out of the city faced delays.

Last year, taxi and minicab drivers were asked to switch to electric or low emission vehicles by 2020 or risk losing their licences.

(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)

But according to city council figures, only 72 of the 1,265 Hackney Carriages licensed to operate in the city will be compliant with the emission standards imposed by the pollution charge from January next year.

It is feared the majority of black cabs could disappear from the roads.

(Image: Pat Johnson)

Sharing the news of the huge delays on the bus services, National Express said: "Due to the taxi protest currently taking place, there is heavy congestion in Birmingham City Centre.

"Services are being delayed up to 60 minutes unfortunately."