They speed along the road quickly and, although they are subject to the same rules of the road that apply to cars, they often end up applying them not too strictly. Scooters have become increasingly widespread in recent years, thanks to ad hoc incentives and an increase in environmental awareness in favor of electric means of transport. With the exponential increase in their number, scooters have caused a bit of havoc in cities. The large orange bollards placed under the porticoes of Piazza Saffi are aimed at them, as well as ‘traditional’ bicycles, both on the town hall side and on the side where Palazzo Albertini stands. Not only that: also at the entrance to the town hall from Piazzetta della Misura. A large prohibition sign explains who the recipients are: ‘for bikes and scooters’. Obviously there is still space to pass on foot.
The bollards constitute a physical obstacle to entering the arcades and many have noticed them. “They are a temporary enhancement of the signs and have a deterrent function – explains the deputy commander of the local police Andrea Gualtieri – which became necessary following numerous complaints from those who noticed the repeated passage of unauthorized vehicles and feared for the safety of the pedestrians”.
This type of provision is used to discourage transit and reiterate an already established rule: “They will remain positioned for a while – continues Gualtieri –, then they will be removed. It will not be necessary to translate them into fixed bans because the ban is already part of the highway code and it should already be implicit and common knowledge, however, we will also strengthen controls and be more incisive in enforcing the rules of the road.” In short, fines are on the way for those who are undisciplined.
