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Scores of taxi drivers have stopped traffic outside Transport for London’s headquarters this afternoon in protest over claims that the capital’s taxi trade is being “destroyed”.

Drivers parked their cars outside Palestra House, opposite Southwark Tube station, as part of the demo against issues including “deregulation of the taxi trade” and complaints over rules surrounding minicabs.

Video posted on social media showed hordes of vehicles crawling past the building on Blackfriars Road as bus routes were diverted away from the area over fears of delays and congestion.

The Independent Taxi Alliance said in a statement about the protest: “It's perfectly clear to us all, TfL have an agenda to destroy the London Taxi Trade.

“There has been widespread incompetence and alleged corruption at TFL and by taking part in demos, we are showing TFL we have had enough.

“The message behind the protest is simple: No more deregulation and no more dismantling of the taxi trade.”

Passers-by described gridlock on the roads surrounding the protest.

Many took to social media to vent their frustration.

One user wrote on Twitter: “Taxi demo blocking my getting home. No sympathy for such entitlement.”

Another added: “So it turns out that the ridiculous delays at Aldwych and Waterloo Bridge are a taxi demo. Thanks for that.”

And, Patricia Brown described how congestion left an ambulance on an emergency call stuck in traffic.

The protest comes just days after 100 cabbies marched in protest at TfL's lack of medical regulation of mini cab drivers on Thursday.

Drivers staged a demonstration in Southwark after learning of allegations minicab drivers are allegedly using loopholes to pass medicals.

An independent investigation revealed mini cab drivers were able to pay certain doctors for a medical pass.

Peter Blake, TfL’s Director of Service Operations, said: “There is no need for this protest that will cause unnecessary disruption to people trying to go about their business.

"We urge the organisers to call it off. The Mayor has recently launched a comprehensive Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan that is aimed at driving up standards and improving safety.

"We will work with all industry stakeholders to help shape the implementation of the Action Plan."