Rome’s Traffic Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Parking in 2025
Rome, January 11, 2026 – The Roman traffic police reported a substantial 56% increase in vehicle removals during 2025 compared to the previous year. Over 32,000 operations involving tow trucks were recorded by October 31, 2025, a figure expected to rise further by year-end. These interventions primarily targeted illegally parked vehicles or those in violation of traffic laws, leading to their removal and transportation to judicial depots. This surge marks a significant jump from just over 20,000 removals in 2024.
Urgent Removals Also on the Rise
Among these operations, 2,600 were “on sight” removals, a term used for urgent situations such as public order events, sudden changes in protest routes, or unforeseen emergency roadworks (due to landslides or other issues) where vehicles, though not violating the Highway Code, needed to be moved. This represents an increase from 1,800 such removals in 2024. In these cases, vehicles are not impounded but are relocated within the same area, awaiting identification and notification of their owners by municipal police. No fines are issued for these force majeure removals.
Central Rome Leads in Removals, Significant Increases in Other Districts
An analysis of the municipal police’s 2025 report reveals that the I Municipality, encompassing central Rome, recorded the highest number of removals with over 5,000 tow truck interventions. This was closely followed by the II Municipality (Parioli-Trieste-Salario), which saw nearly 4,000 removals. The I Prati Group and the XII Monteverde Group each issued over 2,000 notices. However, the most substantial percentage increases were observed across the entire II Municipality (which also includes Flaminio, Nomentano, Tiburtino, and Pinciano), the VI Municipality (Tor Bella Monaca, Torre Maura, Ponte di Nona, Borghesiana, Villaggio Prenestino), Villaggio Falcone, the VII Municipality (Appio, San Giovanni, Capannelle), and the XV Municipality (Tor di Quinto, Tomba di Nerone, Giustiniana, Prima Porta, Labaro, Cesano). These areas experienced percentage growth in vehicle removals exceeding one hundred percent.
Impact on Traffic and Public Order
The intensified enforcement reflects Rome’s ongoing efforts to manage traffic congestion and ensure public order. Illegal parking remains a significant challenge in the city, contributing to traffic bottlenecks and hindering emergency services. The increased use of tow trucks underscores a stricter approach by authorities to maintain compliance with traffic regulations, particularly in high-traffic and historically sensitive areas.
Future Outlook and Citizen Awareness
While the statistics highlight a robust enforcement strategy, they also suggest a persistent issue with illegal parking across the city. The financial implications for vehicle owners, who face additional charges upon retrieval of their vehicles, are substantial. Authorities continue to urge citizens to adhere to parking regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to smoother urban mobility. The trend observed in 2025 is expected to continue as Rome seeks to improve its urban infrastructure and traffic flow, especially with major events anticipated in the coming years.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_11/viabilita-a-roma-boom-di-rimozioni-di-veicoli-in-centro-parioli-prati-e-monteverde-56-nel-2025-d698821b-ad7f-4c88-842a-a903339dexlk.shtml
