Bologna to Restrict Hybrid Vehicle Access to Historic Center, Introducing Paid Parking
Bologna is set to implement critically important changes to its traffic regulations in the new year, impacting hybrid vehicle owners and introducing parking fees within the historic center. The move,slated to take effect January 1,2026,aims to reduce congestion and prioritize access for residents,but has already sparked controversy among commuters and economic associations.
The Municipality of Bologna anticipates at least 10,000 fewer cars will enter the historic center consequently of the new measures, primarily affecting hybrid vehicles registered to individuals living outside the city limits. Approximately 19,000 Bologna residents who own hybrid cars will also face parking fees, a departure from the previous concessions.These changes stem from decisions made last February when the lepore council moved forward with the plan, despite previous discussions regarding increased public transportation costs – including a potential rise to €2.30 for a single bus journey and increased rates for day tickets and Citypass options.
The restrictions on free parking for non-residents were driven by long-standing complaints from residents struggling to find parking due to limited availability and high rental costs. However, the new policy is expected to be met with resistance from at least 19,500 Bolognese citizens. Starting January 1st, Palazzo d’Accursio has decreed that “the virtual permit for hybrid cars can onyl be issued to residents or companies based in the Municipality of bologna, allowing access to the restricted traffic zone in the historic center (except for areas with particular limitations) with paid parking, according to the tariffs in force.”
Residents of the historic center with an “R” permit will retain their right to park for free within their designated residential area, limited to one permit per family unit. The Municipality has justified the curtailment of benefits for non-resident hybrid vehicles as a necessary step to protect access and residential parking,aligning with the 2019 General Urban Traffic plan. Officials note a significant increase in hybrid vehicle permits, rising from less than 18,000 in 2019 to around 30,000 in 2023 – a surge of over 66%.
Specifically, approximately 10,259 vehicles registered to non-residents will be barred from accessing the historic center, while 19,530 resident-owned hybrid vehicles will be subject to parking fees. Existing permits will be honored until their natural expiration date, with new hybrid car stickers issued after May 1, 2025, valid for one year. Notably, electric vehicles will continue to enjoy unrestricted access and free parking within the ZTL.
The proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from the Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) political party. “The entry into force of the restriction on access to the ZTL for hybrid vehicles which will prevent non-residents from entering Bologna and will impose indiscriminate paid parking confirms the ideological and harmful line carried out by the Lepore administration led by the PD and the Civic Coalition,” stated francesca scarano, group leader in the city council. Scarano accused the administration of pursuing a plan to entirely pedestrianize the historic center, creating “unsustainable” mobility through measures like speed limits, tram construction, increased public transport costs, reduced parking, and now, restricted access for hybrid vehicles.
Why: The Municipality of Bologna is implementing these changes to reduce congestion in the historic center and prioritize access for residents, addressing
