Bologna's Città 30 defended as data shows mixed road safety trends

A political dispute has erupted in Bologna over the city's "Città 30" speed limit policy, following data showing a rise in road accidents and fatalities between 2024 and 2025. The opposition party Fratelli d'Italia cited the increase to attack the measure, while a regional councilor from Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra defended it. The data from the metropolitan area, including highways, shows incidents rose from 1,946 in 2024 to 2,049 in 2025, with deaths increasing from 11 to 14 and injuries from 2,440 to 2,601. Councilor Simona Larghetti countered that comparing the 2024-2025 period with 2022-2023 shows a 43.6% drop in deaths, a 7.2% decrease in injuries, and a 12.5% reduction in accidents, arguing the policy works and calling for more controls instead of repeal. Larghetti also cited a joint document from Eurocities and the European Transport Safety Council recommending 30 km/h as the general urban limit, criticizing the EU parliamentarian for ignoring European guidance. She rejected claims that speed cameras are revenue tools, insisting the focus should be on prevention and rule enforcement to achieve zero road deaths.