Hello- we are trying to decide whether taking a train from Venice into Arezzo & renting a car at the Avis agency near the station is a good idea. We can’t tell whether the Avis location is smack dab in the middle of the Arrezo ZTL or is safe. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16198 posts
Piazza della Repubblica, where the station is, and also Via Guido Monaco into Piazza Guido Monaco, you can drive. Basically all the roads originating from Piazza Guido Monaco, a circular Piazza, can be driven. However the ZTL is lurking, right there behind the corner, so make sure you learn the signs.
Posted by
U.S.
11 posts
This brings up a concern for my husband and me because we're renting a car at the train station in Salerno. I never thought there could be a restricted driving area. Would anyone know or know how I could find out? Thank you! This forum is so helpful!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
One other point to note is that each driver listed on the rental form must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which may be provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot!
It's likely that most towns you visit will have a ZTL (limited traffic) area, so you'll need to be vigilant and watch for the signs. You may find this article helpful - https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/the-ztl-avoid-restricted-traffic-zones-fines-in-italy.html .
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16198 posts
Virtually all towns have restricted traffic zones in their city centers, the best way is to know how to read the international road signs.
Ken’s article is a good primer on the ZTL. Below are all signs used in Italy.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_signs_in_Italy
Besides the red circle of the ZTL (the sign means No Motor Vehicles permitted) pay attention to the no parking and no stopping sign, since that sign is used in Europe but not in the US.
All others are self explanatory symbols, but it doesn’t hurt to learn them.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions & information!