Rome has been brought to a standstill by tourist coach operators protesting a ban on tour buses from the center of the city.
The protests come after a Roman court threw out a legal challenge by trade unions, tourism associations and bus companies to halt the city authority’s ban, due to take effect Jan. 1. The center of Rome will be off-limits to the coaches that now ferry hordes of tourists between its tightly packed historical attractions daily.
A website, Local.it, reports the ban was prompted by city authorities’ concerns over pollution, congestion, damage to ancient architecture and pedestrian safety it says are being exacerbated by the fleets of coaches that choke the city during peak holiday periods. Mayor Virginia Raggi calls it “an important decision not only for the protection of our archaeological and historic heritage but also to combat air and noise pollution.”
The City Council says it will provide additional parking outside the central zone so passengers can walk into the city center. At the same time, coach operators currently paying just €6 ($6.80) per day for unlimited entry to the central zone will be charged €180 ($205) for one day’s access to the city’s outer limits.
There will be exemptions for school buses, coaches transporting disabled passengers and buses transferring guests to large hotels located within central Rome, although these special permits will be strictly limited.
Opponents argue the ban will cost jobs and severely damage the city’s tourist trade. However, Local.it reports suggest most Romans support the ban, having become frustrated with congestion blamed on the large vehicles, and the protests are nurturing this resentment.
