A toll for private vehicles entering Rome’s city center is set to be implemented starting January 1, 2017.
The toll would apply to the city’s anello ferroviario, the railway ring around the capital, extending vehicular traffic limitation beyond the current ZTL (zona a traffico limitato - limited traffic zone) area.
Rome residents would receive a pass that would allow them to enter the city 120 times per year; once the pass has been used up, they would pay a toll depending on the vehicle they drive (the more it pollutes, the higher the fee). Entering on weekdays during rush hour would consume two bonus points, rather than one if entering during off-peak times.
Vehicles running on gpl, methane or electricity, as well as those holding disability passes would be exempt.
The plan is set to be discussed and approved by city authorities in the next few days. The goal is to encourage commuters to use public transport and to reduce congestion on Rome streets.
Rome mayor Ignazio Marino has been implementing a series of steps to limit traffic around the city: last year, he closed the Via dei Fori Imperiali, while this summer he made the area around the Spanish Steps entirely pedestrianized.
