Tens of microbus drivers gathered at the governorate headquarters of Sharqiya in northern Egypt, Sunday morning, to protest what they say is a significant increase in traffic fines.

The demonstrating drivers, who are calling for the fines to be reduced, have threatened to go on a mass strike across the northern governorate if their demands are not met.

Another key grievance was the introduction of new public transport routes, particularly those between the southern delta cities of Zagazig and Belbeis, fearing increased competition from other modes of transport like buses would further affect their profit.

Several microbus drivers smashed the façade of Public Nile Transportation Company's Sharqiya office, in protest of its re-opening, adding that this is also a threat to their livelihood.

On 2 October, microbus drivers in Greater Cairo went on a partial strike calling for deduction in diesel prices, an end to diesel shortages and a reduction in traffic violation fines. They had previous resorted to industrial action on 11 and 12 September upholding similar demands.