Hundreds of shouting taxi drivers failed to prevent Toronto city councillors from approving a controversial motion to ban airport taxi drivers from picking up passengers in the city of Toronto.

Police were called to city hall before noon when a shouting match by angry taxi drivers that broke out inside city council chambers threatened to turn violent.

Hours after the drivers had left, councillors approved the motion, which goes into effect in 30 days.

That delay is a negotiating tactic aimed at levelling the playing field.

As it stands, airport-licensed taxis can accept customers from the city in prearranged bookings. Toronto taxi drivers, however, are not allowed to take fares from the airport.

Councillors said they hope to reach a compromise with the City of Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority to allow some Toronto city taxis to pick up fares at the airport.

Police bar public from meeting

Shortly after debate began Tuesday morning, drivers began screaming at the top of their lungs at politicians, then at each other.

Fearing it could escalate into violence, officials called in Toronto police.

More than 30 officers arrived and ordered everyone to leave the council chamber.

Taxi drivers refused to budge and continued shouting.

In the end, there was no violence and the protesting taxi drivers trickled out during a lunch break.

One police officer commented, however, that nearly every downtown officer was at city hall instead of policing the streets.

Even after the meeting resumed, police were barring people from entering the public meeting, including journalists.

Council Speaker Sandra Bussin said that was a mistake, and that police acted without consulting her. She said the whole incident will be reviewed.