When will the experimental phase of the green shield start? A month ago the month of May was assumed. Yesterday, however, Palazzo Vecchio explained how a discussion is underway with the Ministry of Transport, which would have asked for some specifics: therefore there is no precise date. Yet although the measure has not been taken, there are many, too many related signs no longer obscured by tarpaulins which are starting to generate a lot of confusion among motorists: “They should be covered, but often atmospheric agents such as wind play their part”, the Municipality says, specifying how Avr intervenes in case of reports.
We therefore took a short tour of Campo di Marte and found several boards with signs of torn tape. Is it possible that with the Fiorentina match played on Thursday evening and the consequent massive presence of police in the Franchi area, for example, none of the municipal police noticed anything?
In short, there seems to be a lot of confusion. And it could also continue when the green shield officially launches. A practical example. We walk along Viale Duse, towards the stadium. Here is one of the many green shield warnings not covered. «Green shield, Limited traffic zone». There is a no-traffic symbol after the roundabout. There are no additional panels under the sign. It is not specified what type of vehicles are involved.
The only way is to proceed and look for further indications and you will arrive at the Viale Mamiani roundabout. One of the 78 gates was mounted here. The electronic display is off. The sign next to it, however, is punctually uncovered (and even in this case it shouldn’t be). Let’s read the totem and at least here there is information on the types of vehicles for which the ban would be triggered: Euro 0 petrol cars, Euro 1 diesel cars, etc. There is also a telephone number with “Information” written on it.
Let’s try calling like any disoriented driver. Sas replies. «I’m at the Viale Mamiani roundabout. Is the green shield active?”, “No, you can enter, it’s still off”, “But then why are the signs visible?”, “It doesn’t depend on us. We are waiting for them to be regulated.” When? Time will tell. The rest of the green shield has been talked about since 2019: more slippage, less slippage…
As we have seen, however, the risk, once it finally comes into force, is that the banned cars will reach the cameras and will then be forced to turn around. Couldn’t we, in the meantime, implement the signage first? No, according to the Municipality: «The notice must provide easily legible information and cannot specify in detail the regulations of the Ztl».
Vincenzo Donvito, president of Aduc, an association for users’ and consumers’ rights, does not agree: «The mere wording “green shield” presupposes that a motorist knows a priori what it is about. Those who don’t understand will slow down after seeing those incomprehensible signs and the road will be congested.”
