Rome Mayor Gualtieri Accelerates Traffic Reduction in Historic Centre, Citing ‘World Heritage’ Status
Rome, Lazio, Italy, February 28, 2026 – Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri is pushing forward with an ambitious agenda to transform the city’s historic centre into a largely traffic-free zone. His administration’s recent decisions, including the approval of the AS Roma stadium and new regulations for electric vehicles in the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), signal a decisive shift in urban policy. These moves, perceived by many as a departure from his initial cautious approach, underscore a new, more assertive leadership style.
Gualtieri’s administration has gained momentum in the past 18 months, marked by the successful completion of numerous construction projects and effective management of the Jubilee preparations. This period has revealed a more decisive and ‘muscular’ approach to governance, characterized by polite tones and openness to dialogue, yet firm, clear, and rapid decision-making. The mayor’s philosophy appears to be ‘he who has time, doesn’t wait for time,’ a popular proverb his administration has taken to heart.
New ZTL Regulations for Electric Vehicles Spark Debate
The latest directive concerning electric vehicles, which mandates an annual payment for access to the ZTL (with mild hybrids requiring further review), has ignited considerable discussion. However, these debates have not altered the ultimate goal: a historic centre less congested by traffic, more pedestrian-friendly, with improved public transport, enhanced care for the city’s ‘Great Beauty,’ and a welcoming environment for both Romans and tourists.
In an interview with Corriere Roma on February 20, Gualtieri acknowledged the administration’s readiness to ‘take all its responsibilities’ and outlined his vision for the city, particularly regarding mobility. ‘The significant increase in electric vehicles is a positive development, but it makes it clear that some initial incentives are no longer sustainable,’ Gualtieri stated. He noted that European cities, from Oslo to Stockholm to Lisbon, are re-evaluating or eliminating concessions for electric vehicles. ‘However, we continue to incentivize their purchase because all incentives related to anti-pollution measures, ecological Sundays, free blue parking stripes, and a 50% discount on the ZTL compared to other cars remain,’ he clarified.
The mayor firmly rejected claims that these measures are merely revenue-generating. ‘Our only goal is to decongest the historic centre, which can only accommodate a limited number of cars. That’s why the ZTL was introduced. A total exemption for electric vehicles, given a 350% increase in these vehicles over five years and a constant rise, would be equivalent to eliminating the ZTL,’ Gualtieri explained. He also highlighted that 50% of electric cars entering the centre daily belong to non-residents of Rome. ‘Protecting the Centre is in everyone’s interest – those who live there, those who work there, and those who visit,’ he emphasized.
Enhanced Controls and Future Plans to Combat Traffic Congestion
Beyond the ZTL adjustments, the city is implementing additional measures to combat traffic. ‘Among other anti-traffic measures, we are increasing controls on ‘clever’ individuals. In just six months, we have revoked 20,000 permits for deceased disabled individuals that no one had returned, and we have established that each pass can only be linked to two cars,’ Gualtieri revealed. He added, ‘We have also planned interventions for loading and unloading goods, which are a cause of traffic jams.’
While some individual decisions might be debatable, perhaps warranting more political and media preparation, the overarching objective remains clear. As Gualtieri reiterated, ‘The Centre of Rome is a world heritage site and must be protected from degradation, neglect, overtourism, and exacerbated traffic. Investments are guided by the common thread of restoring the Great Beauty of the historic centre to everyone, especially Romans.’ The mayor’s resolve to act quickly and implement potentially unpopular decisions underscores his commitment to this vision.
Broader Urban Development and Cultural Initiatives
These mobility changes are part of a broader urban development strategy. Other recent announcements include the return of the Rialto cinema to municipal ownership, with a planned reopening in 2027 after renovations, and the reopening of the Villa Ada bunker after five years of closure. Furthermore, plans are underway to revitalize the ‘decayed tooth’ area near Termini Station, with a student dormitory or hotel expected within 18 months. The approval of the AS Roma stadium in Pietralata also signals a focus on future-oriented projects.
The city is also investing in security, as evidenced by the inauguration of the Cyber Security Operations Center, described by Gualtieri as ‘a strategic outpost for security.’ These initiatives collectively paint a picture of an administration determined to modernize Rome while preserving its invaluable heritage.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_28/roma-il-sindaco-gualtieri-va-di-fretta-eliminiamo-il-traffico-dal-centro-patrimonio-dell-umanita-e5123912-3e91-497d-b599-ddc78779dxlk.shtml
