Rome Embraces ‘Zone 30’: A New Era for Urban Mobility or a Pothole in Progress?
The Eternal City, known for its bustling traffic and often chaotic streets, has embarked on a significant transformation of its urban mobility. As of January 15, 2026, the ‘Zone 30’ initiative has been extended across Rome’s Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), mandating a maximum speed of 30 km/h. This bold step, driven by Mobility Councillor Eugenio Patanè, aims to curb the alarming rate of road accidents and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users. However, the implementation has been met with a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and a healthy dose of Roman skepticism.
A Necessary Evolution or an Unnecessary Burden?
Councillor Patanè, during a recent drive-through in Via Acciaioli – a key entry point to the ZTL – emphasized that the new limits are not about generating revenue through fines but about fostering a new road mentality. “This is a concrete, not ideological, decision that protects everyone’s right, especially the right to life,” Patanè stated. He highlighted that nearly half of the ZTL’s roads already had similar speed restrictions, suggesting that the concept isn’t entirely alien to Roman drivers.
Yet, the immediate concern for many residents revolves around the potential for increased fines. Patanè assures that penalties will primarily target the “distracted” drivers, with numerous warnings and clear signage preceding any enforcement. This includes prominent road signs, asphalt markings, and luminous indicators at ZTL entrances. From February 15, ‘infovelox’ devices will also display current speeds, with mobile speed cameras deployed only in a third phase, always accompanied by advance warnings and on-the-spot stops by officers.
Lessons from Bologna: A Blueprint for Success?
Rome looks to Bologna, a pioneer in the ‘City 30’ movement, for inspiration. Bologna’s Mayor Matteo Lepore reported significant positive outcomes: a 13% reduction in road collisions, an 11% decrease in injuries, and a remarkable 50% drop in fatalities. Crucially, travel times remained largely unchanged, and nitrogen dioxide levels saw a decline. Lepore also noted that the city collected less money from fines than before, dispelling the myth of revenue generation.
However, Rome’s unique urban fabric presents distinct challenges. Many internal ZTL streets, never designed for heavy vehicular traffic, are characterized by narrow passages, parked cars, and a constant flow of pedestrians. Patanè acknowledged this, suggesting that some of these areas are ripe for pedestrianization. The concept of “promiscuity” on the road – the mixture of various users – is central to the safety argument: the more diverse the traffic, the higher the risk of accidents. This places a greater responsibility on drivers of heavier vehicles.
The Road Ahead: Communication, Infrastructure, and a Shift in Mindset
The initial phase of Rome’s ‘Zone 30’ focuses heavily on communication and awareness. The city plans to install ‘infovelox’ devices to inform drivers of their speed, with mobile speed cameras to follow. This phased approach aims to ease the transition and encourage voluntary compliance rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
The statistics underscore the urgency of this initiative. In 2025, Rome recorded 125 road fatalities, with 59 of those being pedestrians. These are numbers that, as Patanè put it, “cannot be tolerated.” The councillor remains resolute: “There’s no turning back.”
While the long-term success of Rome’s ‘Zone 30’ will depend on a combination of effective enforcement, public acceptance, and complementary infrastructure improvements, the initial rollout marks a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to create a safer, more livable urban environment. Whether Romans will fully embrace this slower pace, or if the new limits will become another point of contention in the city’s complex traffic narrative, remains to be seen.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_16/zona-30-a-roma-viaggio-nella-citta-tra-curiosita-e-timore-le-multe-solo-ai-distratti-21f7cc4f-4a7e-43ec-8f03-66e48cf0cxlk.shtml
