Lombardy Regional Council debates Milano-Meda toll controversy

The Lombardy Regional Council has become a site of political tension regarding the future of the Milano-Meda highway, which is set to become a toll road once the Pedemontana motorway is completed.

A center-right majority approved a motion from the Lega party suggesting that the regional government should investigate reducing or entirely eliminating tolls for commuters and local residents. However, the council simultaneously rejected a proposal from the Democratic Party (PD) that sought a structured and clear political commitment to protect these specific groups.

Democratic Party councilors Angelo Orsenigo and Gigi Ponti criticized the majority's stance as a “paradox,” arguing that the government acknowledges the economic burden on citizens while refusing to adopt formal solutions. They noted that tens of thousands of signatures have been collected from residents and businesses in the provinces of Monza and Brianza, Como, and northern Milan expressing concern over the impact. The PD representatives have also called for a meeting with Regional President Attilio Fontana, stating they have met with “only silences” regarding the issue.