Protests against Uber by metered tax drivers have turned violent in Cape Town, forcing an Uber driver to flee his car.

According to the Western Cape’s ruling party theDemocratic Alliance, the protests were illegal and involved nearly a hundred metered taxi drivers.

Meter taxi drivers protesting in Wale Street, Cape Town against #Uber drivers. pic.twitter.com/nb3VUASKsk

— Abrie Burger (@AbrieBurger20) July 14, 2016

In a statement sent to media, the DA condemned the attacks.

“This afternoon close to a hundred metered taxi cars, allegedly from the Western Cape Metered Taxi Council, blocked several streets in Cape Town CBD. This was an illegal protest action, where an Uber driver had to escape from attacks and had to abandon his vehicle badly damaged,” it said in the statement.

The DA’s Lennit Max, who serves as the Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport and Public Works, called for calm over the situation.

Metered Taxi drivers blocking Long Street, Cape Town chanting “Uber must go” #DisruptiveInnovation #Uber #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/W89nZzJoOG

— Lize Barclay (@lizebarclay) July 14, 2016

“I call for all relevant parties to remain calm as violence will not satisfy any concerns, and refrain from illegal protest action. The right to protest is enshrined in our constitution, but it must remain within the law, with permission, and not turn violent,” he said.

He explained that metered taxi drivers are facing tough competition, but “they must meet this competition with innovation not violence.”

He also urged all parties to come together to find a resolution to the situation.

“We are also very supportive of the Uber innovation, they must however work within legislation and regulations and we must apply the law equally to all operators. The DA are supportive of all on-demand transport services, to supplement public transport, creating jobs and growing our economy,” he said.

In May, an Uber driver in Sandton was also assaulted by hostile metered taxi drivers.