Dramatic moment taxi driver is dragged more than 20m down busy road in Toronto after he confronts Uber driver during protest

  • Taxi driver spotted Uber driver as he waited at traffic lights in Toronto
  • He tried to open the Uber driver's door and banged on the window
  • As the Uber drove off, the desperate taxi driver clung on to the car
  • He was dragged more than 20m down the road before the Uber stopped 

This video captures the dramatic moment a taxi driver was dragged more than 20 metres along a busy road during a confrontation with an Uber driver.

The man, who identified himself to Canadian news outlet CBC as a driver with more than 20 years of experience, tried to force the vehicle to stop on a road in downtown Toronto earlier today. 

The row took place as taxi drivers were driving to City Hall to protest the car service, which they claim is threatening their livelihoods by sidestepping the law.

The dramatic 37-second clip, taken by a news crew at the scene, shows the taxi driver approaching the white Honda Civic as it waits near a traffic light.

Turning to the cameramen, he says 'This is an UberX', using the name given to the cheapest band of vehicle available on the app. 

The man tries to open the driver's door before pounding his fist against the window and windscreen. 

As the UberX pulls off, the taxi driver gives chase and jogs alongside the vehicle as it picks up speed. Desperate to stop the car, he grabs on to the windscreen.

Spotted: The taxi driver, right, picks out the Uber car as it waits near a traffic light in downton Toronto

Spotted: The taxi driver, right, picks out the Uber car as it waits near a traffic light in downton Toronto

Confrontation: The man tries to open the Uber driver's door before he thumps the window with his fist

Confrontation: The man tries to open the Uber driver's door before he thumps the window with his fist

Desperate: As the Uber pulls off from the traffic light, the taxi driver gives chase and jogs alongside

Desperate: As the Uber pulls off from the traffic light, the taxi driver gives chase and jogs alongside

As the car accelerates, the taxi driver lifts his legs off the ground. He manages to hold on as the Uber drives more than 20metres down the busy road.

When the Uber X stops at another traffic light the taxi driver lets go, and is left standing in the middle of the road when his driver speeds off.

Sajid Mugha, of the iTaxi Workers Association, told CBC News the taxi driver's behaviour is 'unacceptable,' but said the video 'illustrates the frustration of our drivers.' 

Uber Canada also condemned the dispute, saying it was 'alarmed to see this act of taxi aggression against Toronto Uber users.'

Dragged away: As the car accelerates, the taxi driver is forced to lift his legs and is pulled along the road

Dragged away: As the car accelerates, the taxi driver is forced to lift his legs and is pulled along the road

Second try: The taxi driver travels for more than 20m on the side of the car before it finally stops at lights

Second try: The taxi driver travels for more than 20m on the side of the car before it finally stops at lights

Left alone: The taxi driver is left looking on as the white Honda Civic, right, drives away from the crossroad

Left alone: The taxi driver is left looking on as the white Honda Civic, right, drives away from the crossroad