Florence will ban tourist golf carts, rickshaws and other “atypical vehicles” from its historic centre, the city council announced Monday. The new rules form part of the Tuscan capital’s push for sustainable tourism. They are expected to be approved by the municipal council in the coming weeks.
Tourist transport services in the historic centre will only be allowed to operate a limited number of electric tourist shuttles — a maximum of 24 — on pre-approved routes and under strict conditions.
In a statement, the council said the measure targets the “proliferation of different types of vehicles” which have filled city streets in recent years. Only electric shuttles meet the safety standards required by Italy’s Highway Code and are allowed to operate along authorised routes.
Councillor for Tourism Jacopo Vicini called the ban “one of the most important” of the city’s ten-point plan for sustainable tourism. The plan was first introduced in November under Mayor Sara Funaro.
The new rules include clear operating zones, safety checks, and penalties for violations. The latter includes fines of €500, confiscation of unauthorised vehicles, and possible licence withdrawal for repeat offenders or illegal operators.
First city to introduce such controls
Mobility councillor Andrea Giorgio said Florence was the first major Italian city to introduce such controls in its historic centre.
“We decided to act because the situation had become unsustainable,” Giorgio said. “Hundreds of golf carts were parked in streets and squares throughout the UNESCO zone.”
Tourist buses will be able to drop off and collect groups only at designated locations: Piazzale Vittorio Veneto and Piazzale Michelangelo.
The city has pledged strict enforcement, with municipal police authorised to seize banned vehicles operating in the centre.
The city council developed the regulation in coordination with Tuscany’s regional government under Article 91 of the regional tourism law. For further details and updates, the city council advises checking the official Florence website.
