Italy pushes new road safety law and seeks army patrols for Aosta’s streets

Deputy Marco Ghio (PD) has introduced bill no. 2523 in the Chamber, backed by the Italian Federation of Environment and Cycling (FIAB). The proposal calls for at least 2‑metre sidewalks, a mandatory 1.5‑metre passing distance for heavy vehicles, easier approval of raised pedestrian crossings, diagonal crossings with all‑direction green lights, and low‑cost sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists in heavy‑vehicle blind spots. The measures are framed as a response to the fatal accident of an 11‑year‑old cyclist in Reggio Emilia, who was struck by a waste‑collection truck.

In the city of Aosta, the Fratelli d’Italia municipal group has tabled a motion asking the town to join the 2008 “Strade Sicure” programme, which permits the deployment of Italian army personnel for patrols and territorial support. The council argues that a military presence would curb street crime, relieve police workloads, and improve public safety, citing the recent activation of the same scheme in Bolzano.