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Who would dare to drive in Rome? I wonder if you are on holidays why you want to drive in Rome? My thoughts exactly!!! I loved this photo of the policeman directing drivers around Piazza Venezia which would have to be one of the most chaotic roundabouts in the historical city centre not to mention an extremely high pressure job.
If you are staying in a hotel right in the heart of the centre there is certainly no need to drive as everything is in walking distance and the public transport system is great. Italians that you do see driving in Rome have special permits and if you do intend to risk it behind the wheel make sure you have one of these permits or you will be fined. Rome’s historical centre limited traffic zone is known as ZTL or Zona a Traffico Limitato. Permits are enforced to try to limit the amount of traffic in the historical centre and only drivers with these ZTL permits will be allowed to freely drive around, plus for cars there are also day and night time limits even if you do have a permit. Italians have a love affair with the Motorino that are parked in tight scrums and lined up like dominos along the little cobble stone back streets of Rome. Driving motor bikes is second nature for locals yet if you are not a completely proficient driver it can be risky business. Drivers of the Motorino have pretty much free range access for driving and parking in the ZTL area. Parking is not easy which is why you see more smart cars than luscious Range Rovers yet as always there are still the affluent suburbs that are home to many of my favourite European cars and its not uncommon to see a bright red Ferrari or slick looking Lamborghini cruising the pavement capturing attention. In short when in Rome, don’t bother getting behind the wheel, besides there are too many great little wine bars and restaurants to enjoy which would only restrict your ability to drive anyway, enjoying walking the streets is my preferred way of getting around Rome, for me its the only way! xmm
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