According to the Metropolitan Police a planned demonstration in central London by black cab drivers has caused disruption in Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. The workers are angry that Transport for London has essentially banned them from using the special lanes which are being reserved for Olympic officials, athletes and the press.

The protest stared with around 200 vehicles driving into Parliament Square sounding their horns. Peter Hendy, head of transport for TfL, has already condemned that action. He said it was trumped up and that he had no sympathy with the taxi drivers.

John Mason, London Taxi and Private Hire chief, described the protest as irresponsible. He called on those who had taken part to avoid any further action and concentrate on showing the millions of visitors expected to come to the capital for the Games why London cabbies are the best in the world.

Jonathan Myers, spokesman for the United Cabbies Group union, said all traffic which was not part of the Olympic family was being excluded from using the Games Lanes. He argued that the rest of London continued to work and that taxi drivers should be afforded the same privilege and given access to the lanes.

A Transport for London spokesman said conversations had been going on with cab drivers since as far back as 2009 and that they were allowed access to some of the lanes in order to pick up fares.