Eco-Pass imposed in Milan

Milan (Italy) has started imposing a charge of up to $US 14.50 (10 Euros) on vehicles entering the city.

The eco-pass is being policed by cameras and 43 electric gates around an eight-kilometre square inner area of the city. Electric and hybrid vehicles are allowed to enter the congestion charge area for free.

On weekdays, between 7:30 and 19:30, drivers will have to buy a ticket either online or from key points in the city. The price of the ticket depends on the vehicle entering, the charge being between $US 2.90 and $US 14.50 (two and 10 Euros). Failing to pay will result in a fine of at least $US 104 (70 Euros). The money raised will support buses, cycle paths and the purchase of green vehicles.

The Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, in launching the charge, is predicting a 30 percent reduction in pollution levels and a 10 percent reduction in traffic. “This is a new way to deal with the problem of pollution and health”, said the Mayor. “This is a model that a lot of cities are looking at with interest.”

The Eco-Pass has been launched as a one-year trial.

Private and commercial vehicles are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Reducing vehicle use and using alternative forms of transportation and alternative fuels are some approaches to reducing these vehicular emissions. For more information, please visit www.iclei.org/ccp.

Milan is one of 14 local governments in Italy that are currently Members of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. For more information on ICLEI and its activities in Europe, please go to www.iclei.org/europe.

Source: “Milan drivers to cough up pollution fee”, Reuters and “Milan Introduces Traffic Charge”, BBC News, 2 January 2008.