The MIRACLES access restriction policy is carried out on different levels: the Laboratory Area, which is only allowed to catalysed vehicles, and the city centre LTZs, which have been implemented and new zones have been established (Trastevere and San Lorenzo). Furthermore the Tridente zone has been transformed into a clean pedestrian area.
Objectives / Innovative Aspects
Reduce the peak hour traffic in the laboratory area by decreasing the number of high-polluting vehicles in the Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ), reducing the number of illegal entrances in the LTZ, and encouraging a shift in modal split towards sustainable modes (such as eco-bus and walking).
The Measure
In Roma, the capital city of Italy, political administration and services are the main activities, including transport and all assets related to tourism: these activities are particularly concentrated in the central area, especially in the historical centre.
Increase the protection levels in the city centre, according to the aims of the General Urban Traffic Plan that divides the City of Rome in concentric zones with increasing constraints on private traffic has been one of the objectives pursued through MIRACLES.
Roma has now the largest Access Restriction Area in Europe after London, supported by the Automatic Control System (ACS) and other areas are being implemented. show long version
The MIRACLES access restriction policy has been carried out on 6 levels:
1. The access to the whole Laboratory Area has been limited to catalysed vehicles since 2002/3;
2. Concerning pollution control of private fleet vehicles, the yearly check-up of vehicle emissions has been extended in 2005 to include the compulsory tune-up of motorcycles and mopeds;
3. In the central part of the Laboratory Area, the existing Access Gate System (AGS) has been completed and integrated through the installation of a new access gate in via Dei Fori Imperiali with the aim of converting the whole limited traffic zone inside the I District (i.e. First District) into a “closed area”; show long version
(Expected) Results
The main effects of the LTZ access restriction policy have been:
10% decrease in traffic during the day;
20% decrease in traffic during the restriction period;
15% decrease in the morning peak hour (8.30-9.30);
PT services in the area are prevailing;
10% increase of two wheels (access);
evening flows higher than in the past.
It is also planned to extend the ANPR system also to the “two wheels” vehicles: the present technology doesn’t allow their recognition.
