Cab drivers caused gridlock in central Rome on Wednesday in a dispute over liberalisation and rates.
Hundreds of white cabs blocked traffic at Rom'es central Piazza Venezia while drivers protested in front of the nearby City Hall. The strike was called by the taxi drivers' union after it abandoned talks with the mayor.
Cab drivers have staged several strikes in recent months in opposition to government plans to liberalize the service and grant more licenses, and for rates increases.
The blockade follows a stoppage in May, and a wave of wildcat strikes in 2006.
