Interview: Traffic on the Stelvio Pass to be restricted

TOUR: What is the motivation behind the initiative?

Alfreider: There is a right to freedom of movement, but we cannot stand by and watch as the increase in traffic in these areas burdens people and restricts their quality of life. There is an increased awareness that we can no longer carry on as before. People in the towns want to limit traffic. We also want more space for bicycles and pedestrians - in the first pilot projects we have already set up cycle lanes on the Sella Pass to give cyclists more safety. More passes will follow and there will also be cycle lanes in the valleys to encourage more people to switch to active mobility.

Are there also to be traffic restrictions on the passes?
Yes, we want to achieve this together with Veneto and Trentino - we are in talks with the Italian Minister for Infrastructure. The aim is a pilot project that will also allow us to restrict traffic or charge tolls. Specifically, this is planned for the Sella, Pordoi, Gardena and Campolongo passes. But also for the Karer Pass and the Stelvio Pass there are these plans.

Click through: This is the Stelvio Pass

Is it really about a noticeable reduction in traffic?
Yes, we want to reduce traffic considerably - I would say roughly 50 per cent. And promote quiet and low-emission vehicles. We have already done this at Lake Braies and reduced the number of vehicles per day from around 12,000 to 5,000. There is a reduced number of access authorisations and when that is used up, I can't drive up during core times. However, we have to preserve existing rights - i.e. for commuters, residents and suppliers.

What are the plans for the Stelvio Pass?
We have developed the digital systems to record licence plates, for example, and there will be a toll system. The implementation will be carried out by a company that was founded locally together with Lombardy.

Cyclists and hikers are particularly disturbed by motorbike noise ...
We do not differentiate by vehicle type, but there are legal regulations that must be complied with. This year, the police have carried out very strict checks on the passes. We live in a sensitive area!