Economic Instruments - Charges and taxesTraffic Zone Charge: Rome - Brief Summary (Italy)
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Traffic Zone Charge (Rome), Italy
Background In 1989, the Government of Rome designated a limited traffic zone in the centre of the ciy. From 1998, annual permits for entry into the area were made available at a cost of 340 euro, with residents permitted free of charge. Annual permits introduced in 1998; Electronic monitoring system introduced in 2001. The aim of the limited entry is to reduce congestion, pollution and noise, favour public transport, reduce accidents, protect public health and buildings. Coverage The charging zone convers 4.6 km2 and entry is controlled on weekdays from 6.30 to 18.00 and on Saturdays from 14.00 to 18.00. Vehicles must be equipped with an on-board unit and are monitored by road-side transponders and cameras. Exemptions Public vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, handicapped drivers and resident businesses are all exempt - only 19% of vehicles entering the zone actually pay the charge (Perkins, 2004). The road charging system has reduced traffic in the area by 20% overall with a 15% cut in peak traffic (Perkins, 2004). Revenues are estimated to be approximately 10 million euro per year (Perkins, 2004). Strong growth in motorcycle and scooter use is evident. Perkins, 2004. Charging for the Use of Roads: Policies and Recent Initiatives. Paper presented at the Fifth Annual Global Conferenc on Environmental Taxation Issues, Experience and Potential. Pavia, Italy, September 2004. |
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