Taxi fares in the capital are about to increase following a year of intense lobbying from those in favour and those against.

After being commissioned to evaluate the fairness of the rises proposed by the city government last July, an independent technical committee has now approved the measures, paving the way for a new system of taxi fares and rates.

The recommendations still have to be ratified and the new rates are not expected to take effect for about a month. The city will then launch an information campaign to raise awareness among the public while Rome's over-7,000 taxis are being equipped with new meters.

Included among the increases are the fares to and from Fiumicino airport which will increase from