Source: United States Army
More than 2,400 fines were issued in 2025 for unauthorized entry into Vicenza’s Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), underscoring a recurring challenge for U.S. military and civilian personnel. Many drivers unintentionally enter restricted areas due to unfamiliar signage and navigation apps that fail to flag electronic gates. In a video message, Lt. Col. Jonathan Kuhn highlighted the thousands of fines accumulated by community members for ZTL and bus‑lane violations. To reduce incidents, the garrison is focusing on education through initiatives like “Coffee with the Cops” and updated online guidance. Key advice includes not relying solely on GPS, watching illuminated ZTL signs and ensuring permits are valid. The goal is to prevent costly mistakes and improve coexistence with the city. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
New bridge obscures historic skyline: “A suburban scar,” critics say – January 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Local association Italia Nostra Vicenza criticizes the new cycle‑pedestrian walkway over the Bacchiglione, calling it a “wound to the gaze” that disrupts the historic view of Ponte degli Angeli and Palazzo Angaran. The association argues the modern structure is out of place in a UNESCO‑listed city center and contrasts sharply with the recently restored 1911 iron bridge in Viale Giuriolo, praised for respecting its original character. Italia Nostra considers the project an unnecessary scar on Vicenza’s landscape and questions its €800,000 cost, noting an existing historic walkway could have been adapted. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
City installs three more cameras, server capacity now maxed out – January 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Vicenza has added three new surveillance cameras in Viale San Lazzaro, bringing the citywide total to 130. More installations are planned for 2026, but the expanding network is pushing the city’s server and software to their limits, requiring an IT upgrade. Mayor Giacomo Possamai emphasized the need to extend video surveillance beyond the historic center into neighborhoods, though dedicated fiber‑optic lines make expansion costly. Recent installations in San Pio X and San Lazzaro were funded with €95,000 in ministerial support. All cameras feed into a system shared with local and national law‑enforcement agencies. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
City tests plastic‑bottle compactor with future rewards plan – January 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
A new plastic‑bottle compactor has been installed in San Pio X on Via Giuriato, near the public water station. The machine, owned by the city rather than private retailers, allows residents to recycle plastic bottles and caps more efficiently. It currently offers no rewards, but the city plans to introduce incentives, and officials are in talks to involve local shops in a discount system. The project has been well received on social media and could expand to other neighborhoods if funding allows. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
State Police expand YouPol app to trains to boost safety – December 2, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The State Police announced Dec. 1 that the YouPol app now extends to train passengers and stations, offering a fast, geolocated reporting system for risky situations, suspicious behavior, or critical issues. Users can send photos, videos, or short messages directly to Railway Police and police headquarters for immediate assessment and intervention. Since December 2024, YouPol has logged 46,877 general requests, 24,962 drug reports, 3,357 domestic violence cases and 3,648 bullying reports, mostly from northern and southern cities. Main users are aged 51–60 (100,000), followed by 18–30 (20,000) and minors (5,000). With 5,650 monthly anonymous reports, YouPol strengthens prevention and citizen-police collaboration. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Viale Roma transformation will link station and historic center – November 30, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Viale Roma is being transformed into a pedestrian lane, with work scheduled to finish by February 2026. The project will create a wide walkway between the train station and Porta Castello, highlighted by a central white stone strip aligned with Giardino Salvi. Road space has been narrowed to seven meters for two lanes, while pedestrian areas will expand to nearly 14 meters. The redesign aims to connect the historic center with the station and provide space for markets and events. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
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