Demonstration Against Traffic Congestion in Val Gardena Cancelled
The demonstration planned by the “Lia by nature and custom” association in Val Gardena to protest traffic congestion on the Dolomite passes has been cancelled. The announcement came from Julia Perathoner, vice-president of the association.
The demonstration, originally scheduled for tomorrow, August 10, involved a road closure for two hours between 9 and 11 a.m. The association had requested authorization from the Bolzano police headquarters but was denied. ”We were denied the right to demonstrate,” explained Perathoner. “Only yesterday, three days before the protest, we received a written response from the police commissioner prohibiting the demonstration.”
The police cited historical traffic data indicating that on the designated day, thousands of vehicles are expected to pass through the affected road. The simultaneous passage of vehicles and cyclists could pose a significant threat to public order.
“The demonstration against traffic congestion will therefore not be allowed due to traffic congestion,” Perathoner said, adding, “What this procedure has to do with democracy remains debatable. However, we will continue to fight for regulated and environmentally friendly traffic on the pass roads and in the valley.”
Police Response:
The Bolzano police commissioner, Paolo Sartori, clarified that no demonstration ban was issued. He explained that the request to close the road was discussed and that due to anticipated heavy traffic, the closure could not be authorized. He suggested an alternative: a static picket instead of a road closure. However, the organizers ultimately decided to cancel the demonstration.