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Highways and Roads Highways are indicated by the letter "A" followed by a
number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject
to tolls, except for some brief stretches, especially approaching urban
areas. Tolls are paid in cash at highway exit points. It is also possible to
pay by Viacard Telepass cards (systems that make automatic payment
possible without stopping at the toll booths) or Viacard a highway
toll payment card which can be bought, at a value of either 50,000 or 90,000
lire, on the highway, in many banks or in ACI offices.
ACI provides complete car service throughout the country. Calls for
assistance can be made 24 hours a day by calling 116 or by using the
emergency booths located every 2 km along the roadway, They have buttons
with a wrench symbol, to be used in the event of a breakdown, and with a red
cross symbol for a first-aid emergency.
Service areas are very frequent along all of the highways. The rest stops
are always open, and, in addition to refueling, they also offer other
services such as restaurants, bars, information offices, and banking
windows.
Highway Maps, Routes and Tolls
Gasoline
Gasoline is called benzina, unleaded gasoline is benzina senza piombo
and diesel is gasolio. Almost all the service stations in the country
are equipped with pumps for lead-free gasoline (95 octane) and diesel
fuel. Service stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from
3:00 to 7:00 p.m. They follow a shift system on weekends and holidays.
Driving License Regulations
Italy recognises driving licenses and other traffic
documents that are valid in other countries.
U.S. and Canadian driving
licenses are valid in
Italy
but the license must be accompanied by a translation. For motorists not in
possession of an International Driving license, the ACI (Automobile Club
Italiano) will issue a declaration upon presentation of a U.S. or a Canadian
license. The declaration is obtainable at any ACI frontier or Provincial
office for a small fee. Seat belts are compulsory in Italy.
ACI
Services
In addition to the road assistance responding to phone number 116, ACI
also provides motorists with a Centro Assistenza Telefonica (CAT Phone
Service Center).This center has a multilingual staff that can answer in
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch.
The CAT is on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. By calling 06
4477, one can receive updated information on the road and weather
conditions, highway tolls, ferries, tourist itineraries, mileage
distances, customs formalities, currency, and automotive procedures. the Head Office is in Via Marsala
8 - 00185 Roma, Tel. 06 49981, Fax 06 49982469.
Practical Information
ANAS (the state organization responsible for the roads), in
cooperation with the police and the Societą Autostrade, provide information
about traffic conditions on the main roads and highways. In addition, Onda
Verde is a daily radio bulletin with information about roadworks, delays and
weather conditions. The use af snow tires is allowed between November 15 and
March 15. In some regions is obligatory to keep snow chains in the car
during winter.
Traffic Tips
Speed limits
are fixed at 50 km (31 miles) per hour in urban areas, 90 km (56 miles)
per hour on secondary and local roads, 110 km (68 miles) per hour on
main roads outside urban areas and 130 km (80 miles) per hour on
highways, with penalties for violation in proportion to the amount of
the excess.
On highways
(autostrade): no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in
emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code
follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs.
Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway
code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment.
Lanes: On three-lane roads, the middle lane is reserved for
passing, which must always be signalled in advance with the directional
signal which must be kept on while passing.
Motels Along the Road
Italy has an extensive network of motels that provide
motorists with modern and comfortable accommodations, parking facilities and
delicious regional food. Many motels also have swimming pools, private
beaches, tennis courts, small parks and gardens. The main motel chain on the
superhighway network is AGIP (some are part of the Forte group).
Train Classifications
Trains in Italy
are classified as follows:
|
IC Intercity |
A
new category of express trains used in both domestic and international
service. Both first and second class seating is available. First class
cars are air conditioned. Dining facilities are provided as indicated on
the schedules. Many IC trains require payment of a supplementary fare,
which is waived for holders of Eurail or BTLC passes. Seats may be
reserved if desired, but only a few IC trains require reservations. |
|
EC Eurocity |
All trains used in international rail service. |
|
EXPR Espresso |
These express trains, often in international service, usually carry both
first and second class cars, although a few are second class only, There
is no supplementary fare and reservation are not necessary. Food and
drink service is available on some trains as indicated on schedules. |
|
DIR Diretto |
Semi-express trains that make many stops, often with second class
seating only. Many of these consist of modern commuter cars, and are
uncrowded during off-peak hours. |
|
Locale |
Sometimes called accelerato, these slow locals stop everywhere and can
take you to very rural locations. First class is not usually offered,
although second class is fairly empty during off-peak hours. |
On
long-distance trains, there are restaurant or self-service cars. Sleeping
cars and couchettes must be booked in advance. Bicycles can be
shipped on many trains marked with a special symbol (one per passenger, up
to capacity). It is also possible to transport cars along the main
lines. Rates are calculated based on the distances traveled and vehicle
size."Treno+auto", a car hiring service, is available at main rail stations.
Rail schedules, displayed in the stations and also given in specific
publications available for purchase at news-stands, show the services each
train offers.
Seat reservations
are possible on some Italian trains from principal cities. Reservations
are made at station booking offices. In Milano and Roma, minimum notice
is three hours before train departure. Reservations may be made through
local Italian travel agencies.
Tickets
First and second class rail tickets, which have different rates, can be
purchased at station ticket windows or in authorized travel agencies. For
Eurocity, Intercity, Eurostar Italia and generally all trains requiring
bookings, a supplement is charged along with the ticket price.Tourist
groups, persons over 60 or under 26 years of age, and families are entitled
to special reductions on rail fares. Information is available by calling
147-888088. Travelers must validate their tickets with the special stamping
machines located along the station platforms. Stamped tickets must be used
within six hours of validation. For information, schedules and rates call
CIT at 847 318 7101, automated 24 hrs/ 7 days, or Fax 888 2FAXCIT. To
purchase tickets only, call 800 CIT RAIL, or call Rail Europe at 800 4EURAIL
in the U.S. or 800 361 RAIL in Canada.
Refund for Rail
Passes
Application for refund of unused tickets must be submitted at the office
where the tickets were purchased within one year of issuance. All unused
tickets must be stamped "unused" by an official of the European Rail Roads.
All refunds are subject to a 15% cancellation charge plus administration
fees. Tickets purchased in
Europe cannot be refunded in the
U.S. Note: Rates are
subject to change without notice. |
