Tensions between taxi drivers, Zandvoort organisers, and local authorities continue as Formula 1 media day takes place for the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. A number of taxi drivers from the nearby town of Haarlem are in a dispute over access to the circuit, as only those with the correct permits will be able to gain access to the roads to the track. While a municipality of Zandvoort spokesperson told RacingNews365 that no new permits would be issued due to some being obtained illegally, it emerged on Wednesday that there was another way to obtain one if you had a parking permit in the area. This led to uproar among taxi drivers, as they threatened to follow through with disruption if a solution could not be met by Friday. Sources within the taxi industry have informed RacingNews365 the latest in the developing situation. Drivers from the Haarlem area have noted a pile of ‘extra permits’ have been issued to enable drivers to enter the area.
Drivers hope for solution
The conversations between the Haarlem taxi drivers and the municipality of Zandvoort have continued, with a judgement to be made prior to the race weekend. The taxi industry emphasises they want to prevent further escalation, but a blockade is not yet off the table. If a resolution cannot be met by the Friday of the race weekend, there is the threat that disruption could hit the circuit on Saturday and Sunday. RacingNews365 has viewed a document with a stack of (possibly additional) admission tickets, whereby the Haarlem taxi industry believes that the permits are in circulation outside Zandvoort and Haarlem. According to sources, there are 'only' about thirty drivers who have access to the circuit's surroundings, but exact numbers are not disclosed by the parties.
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