Rome mayor assures local residents of parking facilities

Rome's mayor, Ignazio Marino, has now changed his pedestrianisation plans for the Tridente area of central Rome to allow residents parking facilities in the area which he had recently declared traffic-free.

The parking spaces, recognisable by yellow lines, will be located in the trident-shaped area between Via del Babuino, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna and the river Tiber.

Marino confirmed the specially-designated parking spaces on 27 November after a campaign by residents who were having to pay for parking elsewhere, sometimes up to €150 a month.

Two of the principal streets in the Tridente – Via Babuino and Via Ripetta – became traffic free on 20 October as part of Marino's pedestrianisation plans for the capital. The off-limits area also includes Passeggiata di Ripetta and the area between Via della Mercede and Via del Tritone.

The ban, which extends to the motorbikes and scooters of non-residents, was met with opposition from residents as well as traders who fear a loss in business.

The Tridente's “A1” limited traffic zone (ZTL) has the same timetable as the other zones in the historic centre: Monday to Friday 06.30-19.00 and Saturday from 10.00-19.00. The A1 area has access points on Via Ripetta, Via Capo le Case, Via dei Pontifici and Salita di S. Sebastianello, currently monitored by traffic police until 7 January after which the ZTL becomes automated.

Only residents with ZTL permits for the A1 section and drivers with other special categories have access and parking rights in the area. Everybody else must walk or take public transport.