• ASFA – live road traffic information for motorway network
• Tolls.EU – third party website on road tolls
• Black Saturday – annual coach ban transporting children on the metropolitan road network
• Low Emission Zones (‘ZFE’)
  • Crit-Air sticker – mandatory to purchase and display in a ‘ZFE’ and in an area during high periods of pollution to show the vehicle’s emission standard
• Urban Access Regulations – third party website on low emission and other access restriction zones

Section last reviewed November 2024

New access restriction zone (ZTL) from 5 November 2024 affecting transiting

Private vehicles (including coaches) are prohibited from transiting the ZTL covering the 1-4 arrondissements in Central Paris. There is a 6-month educational phase from 5 November 2024 before penalties are applied. Further information and map can be found on the Paris je t’aime ZTL webpage and Paris City Hall ZTL webpage.

Destination coach traffic e.g. for drop-off/parking is permitted in the ZTL but is subject to additional review. French transport associations have issued a press release confirming this, following more dialogue with City and Préfecture. Supporting documents will be published shortly to show to enforcement officials.

It is possible at a later date (to be determined) destination coach traffic regardless of engine type may be prohibited in the ZTL (except for school groups, people with reduced mobility or to access the Louvre coach park via the West Quays). Electric vehicles up to 15 seats would also be permitted. It is anticipated coaches with luggage would not be permitted unless meeting an exemption. Should access be restricted for destination coach traffic, this section will be updated on the evidence that may be required to qualify for exemptions to access.

Further information (please check against subsequent updates):

• ETOA webinar (Recording | Presentation) on 12 September 2024 with Paris je t’aime (city destination management organisation) on the new ZTL.
• Presentation from Ville de Paris – June 2024

General Information

Paris je t’aime (City DMO) coach webpage – French | English

• PASS Autocar – mandatory to purchase for coach parking and includes news on parking disruption
  • Map of parking and drop-off/pick-up locations for coaches
• Paris City Hall planned traffic disruption/diversions
  • Sytadin – live traffic information
  • Paris Respire – road closures on weekends and public holidays
• Low Emission Zone (ZFE)
  • Within A86 ring road plus small area beyond
  • Time of Operation – 8am-8pm every day
  • Minimum standard – Crit-Air sticker 3 | Euro V (5) for Diesel engine
    • From 1 January 2025 – Crit-Air sticker 2 | Euro VI (6) for Diesel engine
    • Objective from 2030 – Diesel vehicles no longer permitted
  • Crit-Air sticker – mandatory to purchase and display in vehicle to show the vehicle’s emission standard

• Live traffic information
  • Autostrade
  • Luceverde
• Road tolls information
  • Autostrade – toll price calculation
  • Pedemontana Lombarda – toll free flow motorway
  • Tolls.EU – third party website
• Urban Access Regulations – third party website on low emission and other access restriction zones (ZTL)
  • List of municipalities authorised by national government to implement a ZTL

Section last reviewed March 2024

General information

Comune Di Napoli (City Council) – ZTL Bus webpage

• Comune Di Napoli planned traffic disruption/diversions
• Luceverde – live traffic information

Access restriction zone (ZTL Bus) from 25 March 2024

On 13 March 2024, the Comune agreed to implement a new ZTL specifically for coaches (and minibuses with more than 9 seats) effective from 25 March 2024.

ZTL Bus is formed of 4 ZTLs and permanently in operation. 3 ZTLs – ‘Centro Storico’, ‘Posillipo’ and ‘San Martino’ are possible for tour buses to access and park with payment of fee, although ‘San Martino’ ZTL is temporarily closed.

Information on fees for access and parking permit is published on ANM’s S.p.A webpage. Permits can be purchased here.

The regulation provides further information including transitional period until 24 March 2025 in Article 11.

ZTLs for all motor vehicles

Existing ZTLs for all motor vehicles are unaffected by ZTL Bus above and remain in effect. A permit to enter is required. Time in operation varies by ZTL and entry point.

Section last reviewed December 2024

Plans for 2025

Roma Mobilita (City Council Transport Department) announced on 28 September that the cost for tourist bus permits (ZTL Bus turistici) will change from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026.

The Ordinance determined a temporary remodulation of the unit cost of daily and carnet permits for tourist buses whereby:

ZTL Bus A (covering peripheral areas) – 27% reduction in the cost of daily and carnet permits
ZTL Bus B (covering central area) – approximate 200% increase in the cost of daily and carnet permits

A specific public transport ticket (BIRG – TPL) is also being introduced for passengers to travel into the central area where coaches park in ZTL Bus A. The ticket cost is reduced to €1 instead of the ordinary rate of €8.

ETOA and partners have protested at the unacceptably short notice of this change and will continue to make representations to the authorities, but we are advised that formal challenge to the legal basis would be unlikely to succeed given the exceptional nature of the powers conferred on the Commissioner by the Ordinance.

The new rates for ZTL Bus B result in an average cost of €200 to €600 for a daily permit.

Current ZTL Bus permit rates until 24 December 2024:

New ZTL Bus permit rates from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026:

Several proposals were presented and the commission agreed to take into consideration the possibility of exceptions to the new tariff applications for hotel pick up and drop off.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the second half of January to explore further details regarding the exception’s applications.

Meanwhile, we will continue to work on the issue with our partners and local stakeholders.

General information

Roma Mobilita (City Council Transport Department) coach webpage – Italian | English

• Roma Mobilita map (Italian | English) – drop-off points and parking
• Luceverde – live traffic information
• Low emission zone
  • Within A90 and E80 ring road
  • Time in Operation – permanently
  • Minimum standard – Euro V (5) for Diesel engine

• Access restriction zone (ZTL Bus turistici) – Italian | English
  • Within A90 and E80 ring road and divided into 3 smaller zones (A,B,C)
  • Time in operation:
    • ZTL Bus A – permanently
    • ZTL Bus B – 5am to midnight every day
    • ZTL Bus C – permanently
  • A permit is required to enter/park in a zone. Type of permit required varies depending on journey and if stopping/parking in the areas surrounding the Colosseum and Vatican.
  •  Frequently Asked Questions – Roma Mobilita webpage

• • ETOA comment and lobbying (current ZTL Bus turistici implemented in January 2019):
    • ETOA press release – November 2018
    • ETOA press release – December 2018
    • Roma Mobilita response to ETOA questions on the ZTL BUS turistici – January 2019
    • Report and appendix submitted to Roma Mobilita with information and feedback collected from members on impact of ZTL BUS turistici – February 2020

Section last reviewed August 2024

New restrictions are in force since 1 August 2024 for the centre (‘old city’) plus the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello

• Group size is limited to 25 people. This applies whether on a guided tour or a leader is accompanying a group on a non-guided tour. Children under 2 are excluded from the count and the size limitation does not apply when embarking/disembarking vehicles or to student groups.
• Headsets must be used for groups of more than 10 people on a guided tour (except student groups).
• Groups are also prohibited from stopping in narrow streets and on bridges which obstruct pedestrian flow.

Further information:

Comune webpage on regulation for accompanied tour groups (includes FAQs in Italian – English machine translation below)

Police and Urban Security Regulations – Article 71-bis  (pages 59/60)

City Council Announcement  (1 February 2024)

FAQs

In consideration of the entry into force of the art. 71-bis of the Police and Urban Security Regulations, which regulates groups of visitors accompanied by tourist guides, companions or other subjects identified as a reference point for the visit for the group, it is considered useful to provide clarifications for a correct interpretation of the rule through the series of FAQ which is reported below.

1) What is meant by “other subjects identified as reference points for the visit for the group”?

Any person who accompanies a group of 25 people who acts as a group leader or who in practice behaves in such a way as to be comparable to the group leader.

2) Which subjects fall within the limit of 25 people? Which subjects are excluded?

The subjects included in the count are the members of the visitor group; the tourist guide or companion or other person identified in any case is excluded from this count if the latter number a maximum of one per group.

Children up to two years of age are not included in the count of 25 people.

3) In which cases does the numerical limitation of 25 people making up the group of visitors not apply?

This limitation does not apply to the group made up of students, of all levels, on a trip or educational visit. This limitation also does not apply to mere embarkation and disembarkation operations from land or nautical vehicles, which must be carried out in the immediate vicinity of the vehicles.

4) If there are multiple visiting groups in the same place, including those in movement/transit, what distance must these groups maintain between each other?

In the event that there are multiple visiting groups in the same place, it is mandatory to guarantee a distance between the groups such as not to cause obvious obstruction to the circulation of pedestrian flow.

It is not permitted for a tour guide or a companion or another identified individual to lead more than one group of visitors, even if spaced apart.

5) If there are multiple visiting groups at the gondola stations, waiting to board, what distance must these groups maintain between each other?

It is mandatory to guarantee a distance between groups such as not to cause obvious obstruction to the circulation of pedestrian flow.

6) In which case is the use of earphones mandatory?

The use of earphones is mandatory if the group of visitors is made up of more than 10 people and is led by a tour guide.

In the event that the group of visitors is made up of more than 10 people and is led by a companion, there is no obligation to use earphones as the tour leader cannot exercise the functions of a tourist guide; if he carries out these functions with more than 10 people, a fine will be imposed for unauthorized exercise of the activity and one for failure to use earphones. These sanctions in fact protect different legal assets: the protection of the consumer and competition and the disturbance of public peace in its administrative meaning.

7) What is the scope of the regulation of accompanied groups?

The scope of application corresponds to the historic center of Venice and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Consequently, for stops on the islands (Murano Burano and Torcello), a second companion must be provided if groups need to be accompanied to the aforementioned islands.

8) Do the regulations for accompanied groups include time slots for non-application?

The regulation of accompanied groups, as regulated by art. 71-bis of the Police and Urban Security Regulations, does not provide for any disapplication time slot.

• vanAnaarBeter – live/planned road traffic information and weblinks for public transport providers
• Road tolls – Kiltunnel | Westerscheldetunnel
• Low emission zones (‘Milieuzones’)
  • Milieuzones applicable to coaches (‘purple’)
• Urban Access Regulations – third party website on low emission and other access restriction zones

Section last reviewed October 2024

General information

Gemeente (City Council) coach webpage – Dutch | English

• Tour Buzz – Drop-off points, parking and live/planned traffic disruption/diversions
• Low Emission Zone
  • Within A10 ring road
  • Time of Operation – permanent
  • Minimum standard – Euro VI (6) for Diesel engine

Access restriction within the S100 from 1 January 2024

Following announcement in February 2023 by the Gemeente and Municipal Executive adoption in June 2023, coach access within the S100 is restricted from 1 January 2024. Coaches weighing more than 7.5 tonnes are only permitted to access the Weesperstraat-Valkenburgerstraat-Kattenburgerstraat corridor, except when issued with an exemption permit.

Infographic

Information on drop-off and pick up points on the S100 and corridor can be found on the Gemeente coach webpage – Dutch | English.

Exemptions

Operators transporting the following passengers to or from educational, cultural or arts institutions e.g. museums, theatres and zoos can apply for an exemption permit:

• Children up to 12 years of age
• Elderly people from state pension age (67 years of age from 2024)
• Disabled people

An exemption permit will either be valid for one day or one year and depending on the route and time of day, permits may be limited. Further information on the exemption policy can be found here. Details on how to apply for an exemption permit can be found here.

Notably, a tour, such as by canal boat, does not appear to count as a cultural visit, despite it showcasing a World Heritage Site. Likewise, transporting passengers with luggage to or from accommodation providers does not qualify for an exemption (except in limited special circumstances). Thus, in effect, the plan bans large group bookings within the S100 not staying on/near the Weesperstraat-Valkenburgerstraat-Kattenburgerstraat corridor, unless other options such as minibuses, other private hire vehicles or public transport are used.

ETOA comment and lobbying on the general 2020-2025 plan and coaching:

• ETOA submission to public consultation on Agenda Touringcar 2020-2025 – November 2019
• ETOA Memorandum on coach plan – September 2021

Section last reviewed November 2023

Rules are in effect for guiding tours in the Centrum District (within the S100)

• Gemeente (City Council) guided tours webpage on the rules – Dutch | English

Summary

• Tours are only permitted between 8am-10pm.
• Tours (including less than 5 people) are prohibited from passing prostitution windows (see maps).
• A permit (exemption) is required from 5 people up to a maximum 15 people per group excluding guide.
• A permit (exemption) is not required when accompanying a group e.g. to a restaurant (with proof of reservation). Our understanding is that there is no maximum group number.
• ETOA comment and lobbying:
  • ETOA’s submission to public consultation – December 2019
  • Gemeente consultation response published – February 2020

Section last reviewed October 2024

New access restriction zone (ZTL) from 1 October 2024 

Porto City Council announced on 17th September a new access restriction zone (ZTL) in the Baixa and Historic Centre from 1 October 2024 affecting all tourist vehicles. The ZTL is initially implemented for one year and we understand penalties will start to be applied from 31 October 2024 after a 30 day trial period.

Access to the ZTL is subject to the following time restrictions:

No access

• 8am-10am and 5pm-8 pm: access for tourist vehicles is not permitted, including to drop off and pick up passengers to/from hotels with luggage

Access permitted with authorisation/prior notice

• 10am-5pm: access for tourist vehicles is permitted, except during special events, where authorisation has been granted by the city council.
• 8pm-8am: access for tourist vehicles is permitted, where prior notice has been given to the city council.
• Request for authorisation and prior notice must be made at least 20 working days in advance.
• A form must be submitted at least 3 working days in advance to register/change the vehicle where authorisation/prior notice has been granted/given for another vehicle.
• Authorisation/prior notice allows access for a vehicle to drop-off and pick-up passengers at one of the nine designated locations (letter A-I) for a total of 6 minutes.
• Parking is not permitted within the ZTL. Vehicles may use Alfândega and Camélias terminals near to the ZTL boundary to park.

Further information:

Porto Citizen Portal

City Council FAQ (Portuguese)  |  City Council FAQ (machine translated in English)

For further questions Porto City Council has set up a specific email: dmm@cm-porto.pt

Section last reviewed February 2024

Rules are in effect for guiding tours in Ciutat Vella district until at least September 2024.

• Ajuntament (City Council) announcement of the rules
  • Announcement on extension until September 2024

Summary

• Tours are limited to maximum 20 people (plus tour guide).
• In these squares and streets, the number of tour groups permitted at a time is limited.
• Loudspeakers are prohibited.

Section last reviewed December 2024

December 2024 | The City Parliament of Lucerne has agreed new regulations introducing a fee for coaches stopping in the city centre from April 2025.

While not all details have been clarified, we understand that:

• A fee of 100 CHF payable online in advance will be due for every coach stopping in Lucerne centre (Schwanenplatz, Löwenplatz, Kasernenplatz)
• Booking will be possible from March
• No slot management is yet place

Further details, FAQ, maps and leaflets can be found via this link, which will be updated regularly.

Section last reviewed March 2024

Coach Parking – Since 1 January 2024, there is currently no coach parking provision in the village including to drop-off/pick-up (mini-buses are still permitted to park at Station Road Car Park). Cotswold District Council statement.

Coach Access – Bourton Parish Council has proposed to ban tourist coach access in the village through introducing Traffic Restriction Orders (TROs). Parish councillors are to decide in April whether to use permanent or emergency TROs, or a combination of both. Final decision is subject to a public consultation and would need to be implemented by highways authority Gloucestershire County Council. Further information from Parish Council meeting on 6 March 2024 includes the proposed roads where TROs would apply.

Edinburgh City Council coach webpage

• Live/Planned traffic disruption/diversions

(see below for specific traffic disruption e.g. Lawnmarket in Old Town) 

Section last reviewed December 2024

Lawnmarket and Upper Bow

Road improvement works including the reconstruction of the existing natural stone sett are ongoing and planned to end in July 2025. 

From 2 December 2024, there is no through route from Johnston Terrace to George IV Bridge and large vehicles are unable to turn around at the Lawnmarket roundabout. Consequently, coaches are no longer able to access Johnston Terrace and should use Castle Terrace for drop-off/pick-up (the road to the left at the bottom of Johnston Terrace) and Regent Road and Inverleith Place for long-term parking.