One of the most beautiful places in Europe, known for its blue sea, high rapids, and caramel-colored villas, as well as the unofficial name “paradise”, but also the terrible traffic on narrow roads, will allow travelers only on certain days of the week. We are talking about the Amalfi Coast. In the regime of road crossing, which will last until the end of September 2022, the authorities have tied to the license plates of vehicles that will move tourists.
Often single-lane and full of steep turns, the winding highway is usually crowded with tourists looking for the perfect view for a photo. But mile-long queues may soon be a thing of the past after new rules were introduced in the region on Wednesday, Italian media reported. Italy’s paradise is introducing new rules to allow tourists only on certain days of the week, hoping to halve dangerous traffic.
What are the new rules of governance on the Amalfi Coast?
The new rules will apply to the famous 35-kilometer stretch between Vietri Sul Mare and Positano. During rush hours during the hot season, drivers will have to use a new alternative license plate system. According to the changes, if the license plate of the tourist’s car ends in an odd number, he will be able to leave on the road on odd days. If even, then you can go on the road only on even days. The system is modeled on the Pico-Plaza rules in several congested Colombian cities.
On the Italian coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the new rules will apply from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends from mid-June to the end of September 2022.
Public buses and taxis are exempt from tax, as are residents of 13 cities on this section of the road. In addition, not every vehicle allows tourists to travel along the coast: the authorities have completely banned vehicles longer than 10.36 meters. Vehicles with trailers will be able to use the road only from midnight until 6:30 am.
How will the new management rules affect leisure?
All driving guides on the picturesque section of the road warn of long queues and limited parking spaces. The new rules are aimed at reducing the time that both locals and tourists spend in painful traffic jams. “We will lose customers, but it is for the benefit of cities. If you do not restrict traffic, roads will be blocked and you will not be able to find parking. There is no other way out, “the owner of one of the hotels told the newspaper.
However, not everyone is happy. For example, the head of the Federalberghi Salerno, a local association of hoteliers, Antonio Ilardi warned that the new rules could prevent tourists from traveling at night to get to their hotels. The Amalfi Coast is the latest in a long line of tourist hotspots that impose restrictions on tourists. Including:
- Yes, Venice intends to double its daily tourist tax during the peak season to 10 euros (370 hryvnias) next year, having previously banned large cruise liners from mooring at the port.
- Barcelona has recently increased its tourist tax.
- New Zealand is considering reducing the number of tourists visiting its most popular destinations.