WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - As unhappy taxi drivers paraded by New Orleans' City Hall with horns blaring in protest, Mayor Mitch Landrieu made it clear the city won't back away from broad new regulations governing their vehicles.

Landrieu and other officials held a news conference Thursday to discuss plans for the Super Bowl on Feb. 3. Deputy Mayor Michelle Thomas said that by the end of January, all taxis on the street will be in compliance with requirements that include air conditioning, surveillance cameras, credit card machines and global positioning devices.

Meanwhile, scores of taxi drivers passed City Hall, honking in protest of the costly requirements. About, 1,600 vehicles are affected.

Also Thursday, city officials said volunteers - about 8,000 of them - will be needed to help the city host Super Bowl events.