Rome has enacted a new regulation against costumed characters, mostly dressed as Roman soldiers, who take money to pose for pictures with tourists. The regulation calls for €400 for violations.
The characters, who can be found near most major ancient monuments, have been accused of fleecing tourists with high fees, and even with pick-pocketing customers, many of whom are not aware until after picture-taking that there’s a fee. A regulation banning them expired in November, and has now been reinstated.
The city claims the regulation is necessary in order to “protect public order” and safeguard the city’s “cultural, artistic and monumental heritage.” Many of the ‘characters’ say the regulation is unfair, and that they have no other job open to them. One ‘centurion’ told local media that “In Verona, characters pay €10 in order to occupy land for a day; there’s an online application and then they’re allowed to work. Why isn’t that possible in Rome?”
Meanwhile, the city has also banned rickshaws, and any vehicle used for transporting people and using an electric motor – even if it is partially powered by pedals. The ban covers the whole city but is aimed mainly at the historic center and major tourist attractions.”
