Long-Term System Adjustment to Traffic Restrictions: The Example of Milan

Abstract

In order to reduce congestion and improve the environment in Milan, a policy of restricting the entry of private vehicles to the historic centre of the city was initiated in 1985. The evidence on the effects of this policy is reviewed. There appears to have been increased use of taxis and commercial vehicles, as a substitute for cars. In addition, in the early years of the policy, when the restrictions only operated in the morning, there was a transfer of some car trips to the afternoon. The speed of traffic crossing the centre increased because there was less congestion. Survey evidence indicated that the closure was viewed favourably by residents, particularly those living in the centre (who were allowed to use their cars in the closed area); this was confirmed by the fact that properties in the centre appeared to have increased in value relative to those outside the centre. In 1996 the policy was changed to one of preventing private motor vehicles crossing the centre although entry to the centre was allowed. However, a policy of closure of the centre is still operated in several other Italian cities.