Italian Steps - Driving - Cultural notes

Fact File

• Italy's long tradition of pioneering in road building goes back to the Romans, and much of the Italian road network still follows some of the ancient roads that lead to Roman sites, such as the Etruscan Tombs on the Rome-Civitavecchia highway.



• The autostrade, motorways, were first built in the 1920s and have unified the country, making it much easier to travel from north to south. Motorways are signposted with the letter A before the road number, while the smaller state roads, strade stadali, are represented on maps by SS. Provincial roads, strade porvinciali, are represented by SP or P.



• All motorways are toll roads. To pay un pedaggio, toll, you take un scontrino, a ticket, to the casello, the toll station. If you don't have change you can pay by credit card, or if all else fails, request that the bill be sent to you.



• There are plenty of rest stops along the motorway such as autogrill. These are service stations-cum-espresso bars, some with ornate architecture and decoration, where drivers can fill the tank, and refuel with strong coffee while they're at it. However don't get confused when you go to fill up - petrol is la benzina, while diesel fuel is la gasolina.



• Drivers in Italy have a reputation for being quite aggressive, as is evident in their free interpretation of the driving laws on the motorway. For example it's common to find drivers driving at high speed on the motorway within an inch of your taillights. Despite this, they are also extremely skilful, causing surprisingly few accidents.



• Interpretation of the Highway Code is quite relaxed. In some cities stopping at traffic lights is an option rather than a rule, and few drivers would dream of giving way at pedestrian crossings. However it is compulsory to wear seat belts for front and rear passengers.



• Fines for speeding and other driving offences are on the spot and particularly heavy. Police can revoke your license and even collect 25% of the maximum fine if they feel like it. And don't even bother to contest it - you'll still have to give a deposit of half the maximum amount in cash.



• In case of breakdown on any Italian road, dial 116 at the nearest telephone box. Tell the operator where you are, your licence plate number and type of car and the nearest Automobile Club of Italy, or ACI, office should come to your rescue.