Parma's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) is an advanced access control system for the city centre.

The heart of this system consists of cameras that automatically read the number plates of transiting vehicles, checking in real time whether they are authorised to enter.

The system was put in place to preserve the historic centre, reduce pollution and improve quality of life for residents. Let's see how it works, where the gates are located and what rules apply.

Access gates and operating hours

The City Council has strategically placed several electronic gates to control access. The gate at Viale Toscanini, one of the main entry points to the ZTL, is active every day from 7:30am to 7:30pm. The gate at Viale Mariotti operates with the same hours, in the lane heading from north to south. Piazzale Salvo D'Acquisto also follows this standard activation schedule.

Via XXII Luglio, by contrast, has different hours, with two activation periods: in the morning from 7:30am to 11:30am and in the afternoon from 4pm to 7pm. A particular case is the Tommasini-Sauro Environmental Island, located at the corner of Borgo G. Tommasini and Via N. Sauro, which is monitored 24 hours a day.

The authorisation system and permits

The Parma ZTL access system is based on specific authorisations. While certain categories of users and businesses enjoy special permits, it is also possible for anyone to enter by purchasing temporary access tickets.

The system provides for two main types: the two-hour ticket (BZ) costing EUR 5, which allows access for two hours, and the daily ticket (GZ) at EUR 10, valid for the whole day.

How to purchase access tickets

The city offers several options for purchasing ZTL access tickets.

Dedicated parking meters are strategically placed near the gates and accept both coins and credit cards. The Infomobility office at Viale Mentana 29/A is a key point for buying permits.

For those who prefer digital solutions, an online purchase system is available through the reserved area of the website or via the Tap&Park app. In addition, numerous tobacconists and licensed newsagents offer this service.

Special rules for two-wheeled vehicles

For two-wheeled vehicles, the rules provide that all mopeds and motorcycles may travel freely in the ZTL, with the exception of the Environmental and Pedestrian Islands.

In the priority lanes, free access is permitted only for mopeds up to 50cc and lightweight quadricycles with moped registration plates. Motorcycles and heavy electric quadricycles require specific authorisation to access the priority lanes.

The Tommasini-Sauro Environmental Island

The Tommasini-Sauro Environmental Island is a zone with special regulations, active 24 hours a day.

Access is permitted to residents and to non-residents with a parking space. For firms, businesses and tradespeople carrying out maintenance work, specific time slots are provided: from 9am to 10:30am and from 3pm to 3:30pm. Vehicles delivering goods that meet the Ecologistics criteria can access from 7am to 10:30am and from 3pm to 3:30pm.

Priority lanes

The access control system also extends to the priority lanes, with eight active electronic gates.

Three of these - in Viale Mariotti, Viale Toscanini and Strada Zarotto - are active from 7:30am to 7:30pm, while the remaining five gates, located in Strada Garibaldi, Strada Repubblica, Strada Bixio, Via D'Azeglio and Viale Falcone (railway station underpass) and Via Montebello, are operational 24 hours a day, including public holidays.

Categories with authorised access

Several categories of vehicles can access the ZTL without a specific permit, but subject to registration:

  • Emergency, police and rescue vehicles
  • Tow trucks for the removal of illegally parked vehicles in such areas
  • Hearses on funeral service
  • Parma Car Sharing and AllWays vehicles
  • Vehicles used for scheduled public transport
  • Street cleaning and waste collection vehicles
  • Operational vehicles, for the strictly necessary time, used to repair infrastructure, networks or public service systems located there
  • Vehicles transporting valuables to banks located there
  • Taxis and chauffeur-driven hire cars (NCC)
  • Vehicles of guests of hotels located in the ZTL (exclusively for luggage transfer)
  • Vehicles identifiable by particular colour or specific logo registered to the following companies and organisations providing public utility services: Enia, BT Enia, Infomobility, Ad Personam, UniPR, Fondazione Teatro Regio, Teatro Regio, Azienda Ospedaliera, ARPAE, ACER, TEP, It-City, SMTP, AUSL, Poste Italiane, the Municipality and Province of Parma, Iren, Ireti, the Emilia-Romagna Region, Parma Infrastrutture, Ade, Aipo, Rai, Telecom Italia.

Where to find more information

Anyone wishing to find out more can visit the website infomobility.pr.it.