Attention holidaymakers: driving bans on the Amalfi Coast
For years, residents had been disturbed by traffic on the busy road. Now the region has introduced an unusual traffic regulation.
Thousands of holidaymakers visit southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast every year. Whether they want to reach their holiday destination or take a drive along the picturesque coastal roads, many motorists drive along the coast, contributing to the increased traffic and congestion. This disturbs not only the tourists stuck in traffic jams, but above all the residents who live near the busy road. However, the Campania region has now decided to intervene and stop the traffic congestion on the Strada Statale 163 (Italian for state road) by means of a special regulation.
The authorities have decided on a system with alternating validity. As reported by local newspapers, traffic on the tourist hotspot is determined by the number plates of the cars. Only on odd days will the Strada Statale 163 be used by vehicles with odd number plates. Accordingly, the 51-kilometre stretch between the towns of Meta di Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare will remain closed to them on even dates from 10 am to 6 pm. For even number plates, the opposite is planned instead. Their traffic on the coastal road is only allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Random checks are planned to ensure compliance with the regulations. Drivers should therefore pay attention to the traffic restrictions in force if they do not want to be fined. The amount of the fine is not yet known.
As it is primarily aimed at counteracting traffic flows related to local tourism, the measure will initially only apply to the major travel season in summer. After 15 September, the rule will be phased out and will only apply at weekends. Of course, the regulations also provide for exceptions where the road remains accessible at all times. These include cars belonging to residents, public transport vehicles and taxis. Rental cars and car-sharing services will have to abide by the ban instead.
As long as the regulation remains in force, the majority of car traffic will shift to the motorway as a result. Although this is close to the coast, it does not reach many of the holiday resorts directly and certainly does not offer the same panorama. Those who spend their holidays in Positano or Amalfi, for example, will not be able to avoid the Strada Statale 163.
Although this could lead to inconveniences in reaching the numerous tourist resorts on the Amalfi Coast, it brings many advantages for the residents. The measure should ensure fewer cars and thus less air and noise pollution. The road's traffic safety should also benefit.
And as strange as basing the ban on the car registration number may seem to many tourists, holidaymakers should not be surprised. Such restrictions are often introduced for peak travel periods. In South Tyrol and at the Brenner Pass, for example, thousands of holidaymakers have to deal with the temporary driving bans every summer. Greece also follows a similar principle - but with the introduction of additional bans for older vehicles. If the Campania measure proves successful, the licence plate system could also be implemented for an environmental zone on the Amalfi Coast.