Angry cabbies caused chaos on roads around Gatwick Airport today as they set off in convoy to London to protest about new regulations.

The 271 cabs were driving to the Victoria headquarters of BAA, which runs Gatwick Airport, to hold a demonstration and to hand in a protest petition.

The drivers were kept in the slow lane of the M23 by Surrey police as they began their journey at the start of the rush hour.

Spokesman Terry O'Connor said they were not prepared to work under the conditions set by the two taxi companies, Chequer Cars and Excellent Connections, which have won franchises to serve the airport.

They claim the commission set by the two companies is too high and they are angry they would be forced to hire cars at what they consider a high rate.

There have been no taxis serving the airport since the two companies took over on Thursday.

Passengers are being advised to use trains and coaches, and airport staff are handing out numbers of taxi firms to call.

A Gatwick spokesman said: "We are hoping the dispute gets sorted out as quickly as possible, which is in everyone's interest."

No one was available for comment at either taxi firm.