Tension at private-hire drivers protest

(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - There was tension in central Rome on Tuesday as private-hire drivers in the capital protested after talks with the government over new legislation broke down.
    At one point cops in riot gear had to intervene to rescue a municipal police officer who was surrounded by around 30 people and appeared to be in danger of getting lynched, sources said. Police set up a cordon to stop the protestors reaching Piazza Venezia, a key central square.
    The private-hire drivers are angry about legislation coming into force in the new year which they say would cripple them.
    Under the terms of the new rules, the private-hire drivers would have to return to the base town where they are registered after every fare.
    An amendment could remove this part of the legislation.