BEIRUT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Public Works and Transportation Minister Youssef Fenianos called upon public drivers to stop their protests in the absence of a government in Lebanon, local media reported Wednesday.

"I have met with Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri and contacted caretaker Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk hoping to find a solution to the demands of public drivers before their next protest," he was quoted by Elnashra, a local news agency.

Bassam Tleis, head of the Union and Leagues of Land Transport, warned earlier this morning that public drivers will escalate their protests next Wednesday until the government meets their demands.

"Authorities promised to implement a proper transport plan over two years ago but nothing has been done yet," he said.

Public drivers in Lebanon started a wide protest Wednesday blocking streets in Beirut, Tripoli and other cities to claim for their rights.

Their demands include the need by the government to track cars with forged plates in addition to stopping foreign drivers from operating and competing with local public drivers.

They also urged for putting an end to the chaotic increase in fuel prices and drafting a local transportation strategy to solve traffic problems.

The protest also aims at opposing the privatization of inspection centers and the increase in the cost of automotive inspections.