Bologna 30 km/h, Salvini: “In favor of referendum for abolition”

The issue of the new 30 km/h limits on various urban roads in Bologna has sparked political debate, with the Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini speaking on the topic, saying he is partly against the choices made by the administration chaired by Matteo Lepore and stating that he is ready to support a possible referendum for the abolition of the new limits that came into force on January 16th.

The MIT's position on 30 km/h limits

“Lowering the limit across the board risks producing effects opposite to those desired. More traffic and pollution without significant improvements in safety” – explained Salvini during an interview given to Il Resto del Carlino – IThe MIT is working on a directive with the aim of clarifying and rationalizing speed limits.” The Minister of Transport himself then underlined how citizens are already moving to bring dissent towards the 30 km/h limit onto a different decision-making level, perhaps leading to a referendum for its abolition, with this last case which would see the applause of the representative of the League. “I am a convinced autonomist, therefore I am ready for dialogue, and I note that the citizens of Bologna themselves are moving against a choice that appears harmful and punitive. My offices will work and work with Viminale and Anci. The North Star is that of common sense and I trust a balance will be found. When citizens are given the floor it is always an exercise in democracy, I take note of the angry reaction of the Democratic Party which has often shown a certain allergy towards popular judgement”.

The delay in major works

A comment also on infrastructures, with Salvini pointing the finger at previous governments regarding the delays in the construction of major works: “For more than a year now we have been accelerating and unblocking construction sites and projects throughout Italy, which were stopped or slowed down by too many no's: I am happy that now even the centre-left administrators are very attentive to the works. In the last decade they have governed at all levels and have led the MIT almost continuously: our country's infrastructural delay has clear responsibilities.”