ban on classic cars in Italy

[Jan]

If you are planning a trip to Italy next summer with your classic Lancia, think again.
Several towns in the Tuscany region are banning cars without catalysers from their streets as from January 1st, 2006, in order to comply with EEC regulations concerning air pollution.
You might think that an exception will be made for classic cars in car-loving Italy, but at least on paper that is hardly the case. Take for example Florence where exceptions for historic vehicles are defined as follows:
- on Saturdays, Sundays and non-working days only to leave the no-traffic area
- during authorized meetings of historic vehicles
- in case of ceremonies (marriages etc.) - cars rented by professionals
- to go to MOT tests and to maintenance shops (proof required!)
This rule applies not just to bigger towns like Florence, Livorno, Grosseto, Lucca and Pisa, smaller communities like Campi Bisenzio, Montelupo Fiorentino, Scandicci are banning classic cars as well, while the Lombardia and Emilio Romagna regions are planning similar legislation. On the positive side is the Veneto region, where classic cars are exempt if they are certified by a FIVA member organisation. In the UK that would be the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. In Italy, there are 3 FIVA member organisations, of which the ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) is the best known. None of these Italian organisations seems to take much action on this issue.
Jan

[ALAN COOPER]

worrying stuff especially as it comes from relatively laid back Italy. Interesting will it apply to all motors or only ones with Italian registration and how will they Identify if car is cat or not? After all some cars could be cat versions or not depending on place of original sale dedra thema and delta all spring to mind and it's alos possible to retro fit one on a classic car

[Niels Jonassen]

These regulations have not been introduced in Italy only. Several German towns have introduced them too. The international classic vehicle organisation, FIVA, has been strangely silent on this issue, but the Danish member organisation, MhS, has now asked FIVA to act. Rules to the same effect have recently been introduced in Denmark, but all classic vehicles are exempt.
Niels Jonassen