Spanish cabbies want safer vehicles

MADRID, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Spanish taxi drivers are lobbying for cabs like the distinctive London taxis.

Drivers say the London cabs are safer for drivers and more comfortable for passengers than Spanish taxis, The Independent reported. Spanish taxis are ordinary cars with a few modifications, in some cases including a piece of plastic screening drivers from passengers.

Manuel Garcia Vico, chairman of the taxi drivers' association of Jaen, Andalusia, is negotiating with a Spanish car maker for a custom-made vehicle.

Bilbao taxi driver Eduardo Robredo was stabbed to death on Monday.

On Tuesday, taxi drivers staged a one-hour strike.