Tuesday's taxi strike in Barcelona called off after negotiations

Taxi drivers have called off a strike planned for Tuesday in Barcelona after making progress in negotiations with the government to meet their demands.

The main agreements reached with the government include the promotion of measures to reduce "abuses" by insurance companies and the provision of training for taxi drivers in the autonomous communities.

Regarding ride-hailing services (VTCs), one of the main demands of the taxi drivers, the Catalan government agreed to study the development of a figure of transport operators to ensure that VTCs require authorization and comply with local laws.

However, the taxi unions reiterated their demand for increased controls and penalties on VTCs, stating that "they continue to make a mockery of our police and institutions."

The agreement also includes stricter sanctions for cars and motorcycles that use bus lanes, and the possibility of allowing taxi drivers to have cameras in their vehicles.

In a statement, taxi unions have praised the Barcelona city council for being "very sensitive" to the taxi drivers' issues and have pledged to provide "the best service" during this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix.

"We cannot forget the Barcelona city council's defense of the public taxi service," the statement said.

A meeting between taxi drivers and the Spanish Economy Ministry is scheduled for Monday evening.