Route taxi operators from Thompson Pen, St. Catherine, pulled their vehicles off the road Wednesday night and Tuesday morning in protest against what they say was increased pressure from extortionists who have physically abused them.

The taxi drivers parked their vehicles at the entrance to the Lauriston community which runs off the Thompson Pen road, and complained that they needed police protection from these thugs.

According to one taxi operator, members of the People's National Party-aligned Clansman gang have been issuing threats to taxi drivers who refuse to comply with their orders.

Several cars damaged

The operators say several of their cars were damaged by the extortionists.

Meanwhile, residents from a number of communities were left stranded as taxi operators said they would not resume normal service until they could be guaranteed support from the police.

The Spanish Town police told The Gleaner yesterday evening that they were aware of the problem and had dispatched personnel to monitor the situation.

According to the police, the operators have resumed their service and there were no further complaints.