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25/06/2010
Major Italian cities are creating limited vehicle access zones

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Major Italian cities are creating limited vehicle access zones

Many tourists have been fined in Italy because they entered limited vehicle access zones.

Limited vehicle access zones (Zona a traffico limitato)

Zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) are usually located in Italian cities with a historic city centre. Traffic is prohibited, and subject to fines, in these zones at certain times of the day for nonresidents.

For instance, access to the city centre of Rome is limited from Monday to Friday between 6.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., and on Saturday afternoons, to vehicles with a special permit. Parking in the historic centre is also prohibited between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

These zones are intended to reduce the number of vehicles in the city centre and minimise air pollution. They apply in Bologna, Milan, Pisa, Turin and Verona. Vehicle access is also highly regulated in Naples.

The zones are indicated by specific signs. However, they are not always clearly visible. When visiting a major city it is advisable to leave your car in a car park outside the city centre if you are not sure whether it is accessible by car.

Take extra care not to park in a ZTL without permission. Otherwise you might be liable for two types of fines, i.e. one for entering the zone and one for parking incorrectly.

You received a fine for entering a ZTL. Now what?

Most fines associated with unauthorised entry to a ZTL are sent by collection agencies. To verify the authenticity of the fine you can check with the police station in the zone you entered whether the fine was issued for your car. If you feel that the zone was not clearly signposted and you acted in good faith, you can dispute the fine. To do so you need to send a letter to the address indicated on the document you received.

If you are staying in a hotel located in a ZTL you may be able to obtain permission to drive into the city centre. Contact the hotel for further information. If you received a fine whilst driving to the hotel you could ask the hotel to mediate with the local police a posteriori, with a view to having the fine quashed.

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