Rome, April 20, 2026 – The historic traffic booths, or “garitte,” once used by Rome’s local police are set to largely disappear. The municipal government has launched a plan to decommission the majority of these small structures, which were originally installed in the early 2000s for traffic control but are now mostly unused and in a severe state of degradation.
Obsolete Structures and Urban Decay
The decision follows a comprehensive review of the booths’ condition. Many are no longer functional for the operational needs of the local police and are in critical states. Exposed for years to weather, smog, and vandalism, numerous booths are now damaged, rusted, or have compromised windows. In many cases, they are completely unusable, serving more as elements of urban decay than as useful tools for public service.
This issue gained institutional attention after a query from city councilor Francesco Carpano. In an official response, local police commander Mario De Sclavis confirmed the intention to completely reorganize the presence of these structures across the city.
Strategic Locations to Remain
Currently, the booths are distributed throughout Rome’s municipalities, with a higher concentration in central areas and along major traffic routes. Some have already been repurposed through the “CabinArt” artistic project, which transformed six booths into creative installations.
The new plan envisions keeping only 16 booths active, selected based on their strategic utility for traffic management and services. The remaining 60, deemed obsolete or beyond repair, will be progressively removed in the coming years.
A Shift in Urban Security Approach
The drastic reduction in the number of booths also reflects a change in the operational approach of the local police. Compared to the past, control activities increasingly rely on dynamic patrols and mobile technologies rather than fixed posts. Discussions regarding the use of these structures began internally in 2022, considering changes in city traffic conditions and new equipment available to officers.
Towards a More Orderly City
Beyond operational aspects, the decommissioning of the booths addresses a need for urban decorum. Many of these abandoned structures contribute to visual blight in the city’s streets. The Capitoline plan aims to free up space and enhance the appearance of urban areas, retaining only truly useful structures. This intervention marks the end of a symbol of Roman traffic management from the last two decades, but it looks towards a more modern and efficient city model.
Source: https://www.lacapitale.it/articolo/roma-dice-addio-alle-garitte-dei-vigili-via-60-cabine-degradate
