Italy’s annual “Estate Sicura” summer traffic programme enters a critical phase this weekend, with a nationwide ban on trucks over 7.5 t from 16:00-22:00 on Friday 24 July, 08:00-16:00 on Saturday 25 July and 07:00-22:00 on Sunday 26 July. The timetable, confirmed by ANAS and ACI Viabilità Italia, aims to free capacity for an estimated 7 million cars heading to coastal and alpine resorts. Although similar curfews apply every summer, this year’s volumes are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, putting extra pressure on motorway service areas and exit slip roads. The Civil Protection Department has deployed towing units and water-supply trucks at strategic choke-points, while the Highway Police will run real-time traffic broadcasts on Radio Rai. Supply-chain managers should advance or delay domestic deliveries and use rail multimodal options where feasible. Perishable goods, fuel and live-animal transports remain exempt but must carry the relevant documentation. Companies with assignees driving lease cars are advised to schedule departures outside the red-flag periods and book ferries well in advance. Failure to observe the truck ban results in fines up to €335 and licence-point deductions for drivers and operators.
