Palermo's ZTL (2023)
Discover how to access the historic centre of the capital of Sicily, a region rich of history, culture and delicious food. In Palermo traffic is sovereign and, for this reason, the Municipality has delimited the access to the historical centre.
Author: Xerones, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
Palermo is a must-see location in Italy due to its rich history and vibrant culture. While you're eager to explore the city's attractive streets, it's critical that you grasp the city's **ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato)**. This text includes an in-depth look at the restricted zones, timetables, and passes, as well as how to navigate this lovely Sicilian city with ease. Palermo, Sicily's capital, has a distinct blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Its old core is a sensory overload, with Baroque buildings, open-air markets, and delectable street cuisine. It's critical to understand the city's ZTL regulations in order to properly enjoy the experience.
The ZTL in Palermo
The ZTL in Palermo is marked by specific roads where access, transit, and parking are restricted for non-authorized vehicles. The restricted area includes streets such as:
- Via Cavour
- Via Aragona
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando
- Corso A. Amedeo
- Corso Calatafini
- Piazza Indipendenza
- Via Re Ruggero
- Corso Tukory
- Via Lincoln
- Piazza Giulio Cesare
- Foro Umberto I
- Piazza XIII Vittime
- Via Francesco Crispi
Timetables
As of 2023, the ZTL LTZ is **primarily active on weekdays**, from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. However, there have been notable** changes**. On Fridays and Saturdays, the ZTL timetable has been extended to include evening and night hours:
- From November 1st to April 30th: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the following day
- From May 1st to October 31st: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the following day
Special Permits and Authorizations
Palermo offers special permits and authorizations to grant access even without a pass. These apply to law enforcement and rescue vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, and AMAT vehicles. Additionally, vehicles owned by individuals included in the 'white list,' such as public bodies, persons with limited or impeded mobility, and owners of 100% electric traction vehicles, may have free access following the application and approval of authorization.
Pass Categories
There are four categories of paid passes that provide access to the ZTL LTZ:
- Daily Pass: Available in light blue for €5 (for petrol cars with environmental class from Euro 3 to Euro 6) and diesel cars (with an environmental class from Euro 4 to Euro 6), and in green for €2.5 (for hybrid petrol/electric, petrol/methane, and petrol/LPG cars).
- Monthly Pass: Priced at €20 (for petrol cars with an environmental class from Euro 3 to Euro 6) and diesel cars (with an environmental class from Euro 4 to Euro 6), and at €10 (for hybrid petrol/electric, petrol/methane, and petrol/LPG cars).
- Semi-Annual Pass: Available for €50 (for petrol cars with an environmental class from Euro 3 to Euro 6) and diesel cars (with an environmental class from Euro 4 to Euro 6), and at €25 (for hybrid petrol/electric, petrol/methane, and petrol/LPG cars).
- Annual Pass: Exclusively for residents within the LTZ.
Passes are free for electric cars and individuals with limited or impeded mobility. Euro 0-2 petrol and Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles do not qualify for passes unless they are registered to residents domiciled within the ZTL LTZ zone. Temporary passes can also be requested and purchased for hotel customers or visitors to car repair shops or parking facilities. Staff at these establishments can directly register their customers' license plate numbers.
How to Obtain Passes
Passes can be obtained through various channels:
- Online on the official website
- At AMAT counters
- At ACI counters
- Daily passes can also be purchased in some bars, tobacconists, and newsstands.
Activating the Daily Pass
Before entering the Limited Traffic Zone, the daily pass must be activated. To facilitate this process, the Municipality of Palermo has developed a mobile app that can be installed on any device. The app provides access to the LTZ map and, with GPS activation, sends notifications when approaching an electronic gate. Alternatively, you can activate the pass by sending an SMS, typing "ZTL (space) plate number (space) secret code" to the number on the back of the ticket.
As for fines and penalties, the cost varies depending on the environmental class of the vehicle, ranging from €164 to €41. If you plan to visit Palermo with your car, Parkimeter offers a range of affordable parking options for cars or vans with easy access at various times of the day and even 24-hour options.
Are you ready to explore the charming streets of Palermo with confidence? Make sure you're well-prepared to navigate the ZTL and LTZ for a hassle-free visit.
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