Italy: Tourist buses protest in Rome December 20

Event

Several tourist buses converged on Piazza Venezia beginning at 07:00 (local time) on Thursday, December 20, to protest a proposed ban on coach buses in the city center. Local reports indicate the buses blocked traffic on Via del Teatro di Marcello and Via dei Cerchi, and burned flags of the Five Star Movement, the majority party in the city council. Additional demonstrations are likely ahead of the planned implementation of the ban on January 1. Residual transportation disruptions are possible over the coming hours.

Context

The Rome city council is implementing a ban on private coach buses, including those operated by tourism agencies, in the city center due to environmental concerns and to protect archaeological sites from degradation related to vehicle emissions.

Advice

Individuals in Rome are advised to avoid any demonstration as a precaution and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.