Protests as Marino decrees new pedestrian area

Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino

ROME - Days after imposing new traffic restrictions in the Eternal City, Mayor Ignazio Marino has received fierce criticism, chaotic traffic and protests. 

 The project consisted in the restriction of certain types of vehicles from the ZTL (A1) – the so-called ZTL of Tridente - allowing within this strict perimeter only taxis, buses, and local residents. Motorcycles and non- residents are no longer allowed to drive in this area which starts in Piazza del Popolo, covering the three major streets: via di Ripetta, via del Babbuino and Via del Corso.

 Marino maintained his election promises to restore a ‘pedestrian area’in the city centre, although he has clearly missed the crucial point of Rome’s viability and traffic, observers say.

 Depriving non-residents and motorcycles of access to the ZTL (A1) - Monday to Friday from 6.30 to 19, and Saturday from 10 to 19 - causes a huge problem because it creates the necessity of more car parks and public transport. At the moment of the implementation, none of those services were provided, creating discomfort and anger among the citizens. 

 According to sources in the main office of Campidoglio, car parks were going to be built but as Marino wanted to rush the project and get it done, there was not enough time. Panic ensued.

 Police were the only ones on the lookout for controlling and making sure that the new restrictions were respected. But their presence increased anger, contributing to more chaos and protests. 

 However, not only motorcyclists and non-residents have suffered from these new restrictions. Shop owners within the new ‘pedestrian area’ have experienced major inconvenience. “Clients can’t come in my shop anymore because we close at 19 which is the same time the restriction ends, business is decreasing, Marino acted recklessly,” says a shop owner on Via Ripetta.

 Many have already discredited Marino’s actions as mayor of Rome. His inability to address issues such as the restoration of the pedestrian zone in the centre and not tackling major problems such as the lack and inefficiency of public transport, lack of housing, or the debt contracted by the Rome city Council, reflect a mindless behaviour. 

 The number of fines for breaking the new ZTL restrictions are already in double figures. The fine amounts to 41 euros, reduced to 26.70 euros if paid within 5 days. 

 The ZTL restrictions and the pedestrian zone seem to be a mere façade in order to selfishly promote Marino’s image and to cover the damages he has done so far. But for the next elections, voters are going to be cautious.