Italy mobility: rising vehicle costs and Legambiente policy proposals

Vehicle ownership in Italy involves significant costs beyond the initial purchase price, which averages over 36,000 euros for new cars. Essential ongoing expenses include mandatory civil liability insurance, fuel, maintenance, tires, taxes, and parking. A notable upcoming change is the 2027 exemption from vehicle tax (bollo auto) for certain vehicles meeting specific regulatory requirements, a measure potentially benefiting nearly 25 million Italians.

In response to rising fuel prices and transport poverty, the environmental association Legambiente has presented five proposals to the Italian government for the 2027 budget law. The proposals aim to reduce emissions and provide sustainable alternatives to private car use. Key recommendations include:

• Refinancing local public transport through integrated subscriptions and income-based tariffs. • Introducing social leasing for zero-emission vehicles for families and businesses. • Expanding the national electric charging network. • Refinancing funds for cycling infrastructure. • Reducing VAT to 10% on sharing services.

Legambiente criticized current government measures, such as temporary fuel discounts and the postponement of restrictions on Euro 5 diesel vehicles, describing them as temporary fixes that prolong dependence on private automobiles.