Rome, January 15 – The historic center of Rome is set to enforce a new speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour, effective from today. This measure, approved by the Capitoline Junta on November 13, aims to enhance road safety and reduce the high number of accidents in the city. The new limit will apply within the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) and extend to major arteries such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via del Teatro Marcello, and Il Traforo.
Mayor Gualtieri Emphasizes Slower Driving for Safety
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri had previously stressed the importance of Romans learning to drive slower, a sentiment echoed by the implementation of this new regulation. Eugenio Patanè, the Mobility Councillor, stated, “Until February 15, there will be an adjustment phase and a communication campaign for citizens.” Mario De Sclavi, Commander of the local police, assured that “controls will be strengthened” to ensure compliance.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from 2025, which recorded 124 road fatalities and over 30,000 accidents in Rome. Beyond the ZTL-Historic Center, the city plans to extend the 30 km/h limit to a thousand other roads across Rome. Additional interventions include the installation of five new speed cameras on Via Cristoforo Colombo, complementing those already active on Tangenziale and Viale Isacco Newton, which have reported 1,500 violations daily in their initial days of operation.
Controversy and Political Opposition
The introduction of the 30 km/h zones has not been without controversy. Last November, Marco Perissa, president of the Roman Federation of Fratelli d’Italia, launched a protest, labeling the measures as “ideological” and unnecessary, criticizing the “ZTLs imposed from above.” He argued for “real investments in safety and the real mobility of citizens.” Fabrizio Santori, group leader of the Lega in the Capitoline, also reiterated his opposition, stating, “The generalized introduction of the 30 km/h limit in the historic center of Rome is an ideological and approximate act that contradicts the Ministry of Transport’s Directive and does not stem from a precise technical analysis, street by street.”
Bologna’s Success Story and Other Italian Cities
Despite the local opposition, the “city 30” initiative is not unique to Rome. Bologna was the first major Italian city to adopt the limit, and a year after its introduction in 2024, compared to 2022-2023, it recorded half the number of fatalities, fewer accidents, and a decrease in injuries. Bologna also reported reduced smog, increased bicycle usage, and greater reliance on public transport, as highlighted by the Bolognacittà30 website. Other Italian municipalities, including Milan, Turin, and Lecce, have also begun implementing similar speed reductions, and the list of cities adopting this measure is expected to grow.
Implications for Rome’s Future Traffic and Safety
The implementation of the 30 km/h speed limit in Rome’s historic center marks a significant step towards a safer and potentially more sustainable urban environment. While the initial phase includes a period of adjustment and communication, the long-term goal is to instill a culture of slower and more cautious driving among residents and visitors alike. The success of similar initiatives in other Italian cities provides a precedent for positive outcomes, including a reduction in accidents, fatalities, and pollution. The ongoing debate and political opposition underscore the challenges in implementing such changes, but the city’s commitment to prioritizing safety and quality of life remains firm.
As the adjustment period progresses, the effectiveness of the new speed limit will be closely monitored, with the potential for further expansion to other areas of the city. The focus on increased controls and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in ensuring the successful integration of this new traffic regulation into Rome’s daily life.
