Reminders of Arezzo
This item appears on page 33 of the September 2014 issue.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article “Impressed with the Quaint Italian Town of Arezzo” (July ’14, pg. 16), Margo Wilson’s recollection of her visit to Arezzo with her husband. It reminded me of a visit I took with my wife and friends in September 2009. We rented a car in Rome and drove to, first, Orvieto (worth a visit) and then Arezzo on our way to Lucca.
Fortunately, the Wilsons arrived in Arezzo by train. I drove to a convenient parking lot in the center of town, paid the parking fee and, months later, was sent a “ticket” for having driven in a “locals only” area.
Italy has become notorious for these “forbidden” but essentially unmarked areas* where visitors, and even other Italians, innocently drive and are then slapped with tickets that cost close to €100 (near $136)! The solution is to park on the outskirts of town and take a bus to the center. We saw very few tourists in Arezzo.
I must mention, for movie buffs, that the little piazza across from the Basilica of San Francesco, with its amazing frescoes, was used in the filming of “Life is Beautiful.”
RICHARD FINERMAN
Palm Springs, CA
*The Finermans had strayed into a “Zona a Traffico Limitato,” or ZTL. Many cities, not only in Italy, have areas where traffic is strictly controlled or limited. Travelers unfamiliar with these areas may trespass unwittingly and be issued a citation by an automatic camera. Drivers need to be alert for signs posted at intersections.
Several websites run by city governments offer small maps (often difficult to find and not in English) showing restricted areas. Upon picking up a rental car, travelers should ask the company for a map or description of restricted areas.
The Arezzo city website includes a description of the ZTL zones and a depiction of the sign to watch for plus a list of locations for free parking. Visit www.benvenutiadarezzo.it/app.php/en/utillita/ztl_accesso/46.
Another helpful site describing ZTL zones in Italy, and telling how to avoid them, is www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm. (Don’t make the mistake of going to “slowtravel,” which will attempt to install malware on your computer.)
Travelers with Android or Apple smartphones or tablets can download the “ZTL Alert Free” app, which includes maps of traffic camera locations for all cities in Italy and will alert you if you are entering a ZTL.