On April 1st, Florence will officially launch its Scudo Verde (Green Shield), a large environmental restricted traffic zone designed to monitor and limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles. Unlike the current historic center ZTL, which remains active and continues to allow entry only to residents and authorized vehicles, the Green Shield covers a much larger area, extending beyond the city center and encompassing 66% of the urban area. While the municipality has assured residents that there will be no changes to existing bans on older, high-emission vehicles, the initiative continues to spark debate. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Green Shield?
The Green Shield is an environmental traffic restriction zone controlled by a network of 73 electronic gates positioned around the city’s perimeter. Covering approximately 38 square kilometers, it encompasses 66% of the urban area and 37% of the total municipal territory, with a 50-kilometer perimeter.
The system is designed to direct vehicles away from the restricted zone through alternative routes while still allowing access to key locations such as Careggi Hospital, Florence Airport, major commercial hubs, and industrial zones. It also ensures connectivity to the tram network and park-and-ride facilities at terminal stops.
Monitoring and Enforcement
According to Mayor Sara Funaro, the Green Shield will initially serve as a monitoring tool to assess traffic flow and air quality, which has recently fallen below acceptable thresholds.
For the first two months, no fines will be issued as authorities focus on data collection and system calibration. However, starting in June 2025, fines will be enforced for violations.
The system will strictly enforce existing bans on the most polluting vehicles and enhance monitoring of tourist buses, ensuring compliance with entry permits.
Permanent Restrictions
Once fully operational, the Green Shield will ban the most polluting vehicles year-round, 24/7, without introducing new tolls or restrictions beyond those already in place.
Who is Affected?
Vehicles permanently banned from entering or circulating in the restricted zone include:
• Two-stroke mopeds and motorcycles classified as Euro 0 and Euro 1
• Diesel and petrol cars classified as Euro 0 (registered before 1992) and Euro 1 (registered before 1996)
• Heavy-duty diesel and petrol vehicles classified as Euro 0
In the coming years, restrictions could be extended to include petrol vehicles up to Euro 3 and diesel vehicles up to Euro 4, further tightening access to reduce urban pollution.
Violators face a fine of €168.
The mayor emphasized that these bans are not new: “Anyone driving a Euro 0 or Euro 1 vehicle in Florence today—resident or not—can already be fined by municipal police. The Green Shield will simply ensure more rigorous enforcement.”
Exemptions and Special Permits
Certain vehicles will be exempt, including those belonging to:
• The Armed Forces, Police, Red Cross, Fire Department, and emergency services
• Vehicles used to transport disabled individuals, provided they are registered in advance
The municipality will soon clarify the registration procedure for these exemptions.
Future Developments: The Debate on a Congestion Charge
A key topic surrounding the Green Shield is the potential introduction of a congestion charge—a proposed €3 entry fee for non-resident Euro 4, 5, and 6 vehicles, as outlined in the city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PUMS).
However, this measure will not be implemented in 2025. Decisions on whether to introduce it from 2026 onward will be made in coordination with other municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Florence.
“The goal is a coordinated approach that benefits both Florence and the surrounding areas,” said Mayor Funaro.
For now, Florence is moving forward with the Green Shield as a major environmental initiative aimed at improving air quality and reducing pollution in the city.
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