The San Siro stadium in Milan is set for a significant transformation come September 2025, with the introduction of a large-scale Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) destined to reshape the neighborhoods surrounding the iconic venue. This move aims to mitigate traffic congestion caused by major events, such as football matches and concerts, which often attract throngs of spectators.
The designated ZTL will cover an extensive area, stretching from via Pinerolo to viale Renato Serra along the West-East axis and from via Benedetto Croce and the metro stop ‘Uruguay’ up to the triangle formed between via Novara and via Paravia along the North-South axis. The objective is to enforce a structured access system that prioritizes residents, authorized vehicles, and those who have booked parking spaces ahead of time.
Altogether, approximately 6,500 parking spaces will be provided, with 2,300 of those specifically reserved for local residents. The remaining spaces will be available for paid parking in dedicated locations and blue parking zones. According to municipal plans, only vehicles registered on an official “white list” will be allowed entry to the ZTL. Vehicles that fail to comply with these regulations—captured by the area’s 28 surveillance cameras—will face penalties.
This new traffic regulation will be active whenever events with over 30,000 attendees are scheduled, beginning three hours prior to each event and extending until half an hour post-event. Initially, there were discussions about a more flexible mechanism that would allow general access with a limited time to find parking. However, the city administration opted for a stricter approach to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in controlling traffic.
Before the official enforcement of sanctions, a testing and preparatory period will be implemented. The local government is also taking steps to protect local businesses and activities within the ZTL, which include gyms, churches, veterinary clinics, and offices. These establishments will be permitted to register the license plates of clients and employees to prevent unjust penalties.
The San Siro ZTL will become the largest of its kind in Milan. Despite the lack of precise estimates regarding the number of vehicles driven to events, it’s anticipated that the influx could be between 20,000 and 30,000 cars, which starkly contrasts with the limited 6,500 available parking spots.
Arianna Censi, the city’s Mobility Councillor, emphasized the importance of this initiative, confirming that it has been the result of a prolonged and complex dialogue with the Ministry of Transport. “The objective is to regulate traffic in the stadium area to ensure greater order and sustainability,” she stated, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing the event experience while maintaining public safety and urban functionality.
As the September implementation date approaches, the excitement around the revamped traffic regulations indicates a pivotal change for Milan, particularly for fans and local residents who have long dealt with the ramifications of large gatherings at the San Siro. City officials hope this initiative will not only streamline traffic flow but also foster a more sustainable environment bolstering community engagement and accessibility.
