Activation of the school traffic-restricted zone in viale Cavour in Chivasso
Date of the event:
On 2 November 2026 the electronic gates of the school-zone traffic-restricted area (ZTL) in viale Cavour, in front of the Bambi nursery school, came into operation in Chivasso, in the province of Turin. The measure, enacted by Palazzo Santa Chiara, seat of the municipal government led by mayor Claudio Castello, was presented as «a further step forward in the municipal policies devoted to road safety and the protection of home-to-school routes» [1].
The measure and the first checks
In the afternoon of the first day of operation, despite the illuminated panel reading «ZTL Attiva» («ZTL active»), forty-three vehicles travelling in both directions in front of the school during drop-off and pick-up times were photographed within ten minutes of observation [1].
Futuro Nazionale's protest
The political movement Futuro Nazionale, through its local Chivasso representative Vittorio Bevilacqua, called for the immediate removal of the school ZTL's electronic gates, describing the system as «punitive» and unable to guarantee safety when pedestrians cross [1]. According to the movement, at peak times the gates would have recorded an average of around 120 unauthorised entries a day, with fines of 168 euros each amounting to revenue of over 320,000 euros a month; citing the Ministry of the Interior as its source, Futuro Nazionale claims that nearly 1.3 million euros have already flowed into municipal coffers [1].
The movement also compared these amounts with the much smaller sums produced by speed cameras, arguing that the difference shows that the administration's goal is not to slow traffic near schools but to automatically generate revenue [1]. Futuro Nazionale further pointed out that in some spots the ZTL signage is not sufficiently visible, risking that an attentive driver might not notice the warning in time [1].
The local press's critical stance
The local outlet Prima Chivasso also described the electronic gates as «fine machines», estimating, based on the number of transits observed and the minimum fine amount (117.60 euros if paid within five days, 168 euros otherwise), potential revenue exceeding two million euros a year net of school holidays [1].
Related articles: Chivasso
Sources
- Prima Chivasso — 7 November 2026