Over 12 Million Vehicles Expected on Italian Roads for August Bank Holiday
Rome: More than 12 million vehicles are anticipated to be on Italy’s roads during the August bank holiday, as reported by the motorway company ANAS Road Mobility Observatory. This surge in traffic comes ahead of the long weekend following Ferragosto on Friday.
According to Ansa News Agency, the increase in traffic is attributed to travelers who have stayed in major cities and are now taking a few days off to celebrate August 15th in nearby towns. Additionally, many vacationers are expected to travel to more distant destinations, while the first wave of returns home is projected to start on Saturday, August 16th, and continue into Sunday, August 17th.
Viabilit Italia has issued a red warning starting Thursday afternoon, August 14th, and extending through Friday, August 15th. Significant travel is anticipated from large urban centers throughout Italy to holiday and seaside resorts in the south, mountain resorts in the north, and towards national borders.
Traffic is expected to decrease on Saturday, August 16th, as no long-distance travel is predicted, although short trips for day excursions may occur. On Sunday, August 17th, another red warning day is expected with heavy traffic returning to large urban centers.
Restrictions for heavy vehicles will be in place on Friday, August 15th, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday, August 16th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday, August 17th from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Major routes affected by this weekend’s travel surge will be southbound, particularly along the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian coasts, as well as border crossings into France, Slovenia, and Croatia.
In anticipation of the significant traffic increase, ANAS has bolstered its personnel presence and reduced construction sites. Until September 8th, 1,392 sites will be closed or suspended, accounting for approximately 83% of those currently active (1,672). ANAS CEO Claudio Andrea Gemme has urged motorists to drive with caution, emphasizing, “Never drive with your cell phone” and to respect speed limits.