Italy: Taxi drivers protest and strike nationwide July 13

Event

Unionized taxi drivers are holding strikes and protests nationwide July 13, with significant disruption reported in Rome, Milan, Turin, and Naples. The protests are being held over various issues, including government plans to deregulate the sector. The protest action has the support of several major drivers' unions and will likely result in reduced taxi availability.

In Rome, taxi drivers have gathered in front of the Palazzo Chigi, the Prime Minister's official residence. Protesters have used smoke bombs and firecrackers, and clashes have taken place between protesters and security forces. Clashes have also been reported between taxi drivers and low-cost private hire car (NCC) drivers. Taxi drivers have also gathered at squares in cities nationwide, such as in Naples' Piazza del Plebiscito and Turin's Piazza Vittorio Veneto, causing localized transport disruptions.

Drivers could also erect roadblocks or hold go-slow protests around the country, prompting widespread traffic disruptions. Police could detour motorists around any roadblocks and/or limit traffic to one lane or direction only. Such protests will likely pass without incident, but minor skirmishes between police and participants cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Confirm all taxi reservations July 13. Arrange alternative transport well in advance. Allow additional time for travel. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks.