Milan's Area C Statistics – Impact on Traffic & Polution
Milan, Italy's fashion and financial capital, has long struggled with the challenges of urban congestion and air pollution. In an ambitious attempt to address these issues, the city introduced Area C, a congestion charge zone, on January 16, 2012. Nestled within the heart of Milan, Area C encompasses the historical center, known as the Cerchia dei Bastioni, and is intended to create a limited traffic zone in a significant part of the central area. Covering about 8.2 square kilometers, it's an area known for its high density of historical landmarks, commercial activities, and residential zones. The initiative was aimed at reducing traffic congestion, curbing pollution, and encouraging the use of public transport and eco-friendly vehicles.
In this article, we will present statistics that reveal the effectiveness of Area C in achieving its goals. The data will shed light on whether this policy has indeed reshaped urban traffic patterns as intended.
Basic Facts
But first let's look at a few basic facts about Area C and how it works.
Geographical Boundaries: Area C encompasses Milan's historical center within the Cerchia dei Bastioni, covering about 8.2 square kilometers.
Number of Entry Points: The Area has 43 entry points. This Area C map shows the locations of all entry points.
Operational Hours: The congestion charge applies from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM.
Program Start Date: January 16, 2012.
Purpose: The primary goal of Area C is to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental pollution, and promote the use of public transportation and sustainable mobility.
Cost for Entry: Vehicles entering the congestion charge zone are subject to a charge, with the standard fee set at 7.5 Euros for a daily ticket, which allows for multiple entries within the same day. You can buy a ticket and activate it online or in one of the many physical payment locations in the area.
Exemptions and Discounts: Residents, electric vehicles, and certain categories of eco-friendly and essential service vehicles are eligible for exemptions or reduced charges.
Monitoring and Enforcement: Entry points are equipped with automated systems and cameras to monitor compliance and enforce the congestion charge.
The impact of Area C on Milan's traffic & Polution
A Decrease in Average Daily Vehicle Entries (7:30-19:30)
The impact of Area C on Milan's traffic is measurable through several key metrics. Perhaps the most indicative is the average number of vehicles entering the zone during its active charging hours. According to data collected, in 2011, the year before the initiative's implementation, the area recorded an average of 131,898 daily vehicle entries. This figure experienced a significant drop of 31.1% to 90,849 in 2012, immediately after the zone's introduction. Over the years, there has been a some fluctuation in traffic, but the overall trend has remained downward. In 2020, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average daily transits plummeted to 70,195, marking a dramatic 46.8% decrease from the pre- implementation numbers. Even with the easing of pandemic restrictions, 2021 witnessed only a slight uptick to 81,181 daily transits, maintaining a substantial 38.5% reduction from 2011 levels. The data clearly demonstrates that since the initiation of Area C, there has been a consistent and substantial reduction in daily vehicle entries into Milan's central zone, with figures remaining significantly lower than pre-implementation numbers.
Average Daily Vehicle Entries (7:30-19:30), 2011-2021
| Year | Average Daily Vehicle Entries (7:30-19:30) | Change from Baseline Year (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 131,898 | 0.00% |
| 2012 | 90,849 | -31.12% |
| 2013 | 92,175 | -30.12% |
| 2014 | 93,342 | -29.23% |
| 2015 | 94,033 | -28.71% |
| 2016 | 91,687 | -30.49% |
| 2017 | 85.049 | -35,52% |
| 2018 | 82,141 | -37.72% |
| 2019 | 82,306 | -37.60% |
| 2020 | 70,195 | -46.78% |
| 2021 | 81,181 | -38.45% |
Source: Agenzia Mobilità Ambiente Territorio (AMAT)
Shift to Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels
Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the Euro class of vehicles entering the zone, with a notable transition towards cleaner Euro class vehicles, indicating its success in promoting environmentally friendlier transportation. The Euro class of vehicles signifies their emission standards compliance, with higher Euro classes indicating lower emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM).
In 2012, vehicles with higher emission levels such as EURO 4 constituted 16.9% of the traffic. However, by 2021, this figure had dropped dramatically to just 0.9%. In contrast, the presence of the cleanest vehicles, EURO 6, rose from a mere 0.1% in 2014, the first year they were recorded, to a substantial 54.2% in 2021.
Euro Emission Standards Distribution of Vehicles, 2012 - 2021
| Year | EUR 0 | EUR 1 | EUR 2 | EUR 3 | EUR 4 | EUR 5 | EUR 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 8.0% | 16.9% | 74.2% | 0% |
| 2013 | 0% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 6.4% | 15.0% | 77.9% | 0% |
| 2014 | 0% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 5.1% | 12.3% | 81.9% | 0.1% |
| 2015 | 0% | 0% | 0.4% | 3.9% | 10.3% | 83.9% | 1.5% |
| 2016 | 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 2.5% | 8.8% | 82.4% | 6.0% |
| 2017 | 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 1.8% | 4.5% | 75.1% | 18.4% |
| 2018 | 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 1.2% | 2.0% | 66.2% | 30.4% |
| 2019 | 0% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 57.6% | 40.3% |
| 2020 | 0% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 1.0% | 51.6% | 46.5% |
| 2021 | 0% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 44.2% | 54.2% |
Source: AMAT
Concurrently, there was an increase in cleaner fuel types. From 2012 to 2021, petrol-powered vehicles have seen a slight decrease in their share, from 28.1% to 26.9%. Diesel vehicles, initially making up the majority with 52.8%, have notably dropped to 43.1%. In contrast, the proportion of electric vehicles has shown an encouraging increase, from a marginal 0.1% in 2012 to 2.7% in 2021. Hybrid vehicles have seen the most significant growth, more than quadrupling from 5.3% to 22.2% in the same period.
Fuel Type Distribution of Vehicles, 2012-2021
| Year | Petrol | Diesel | Electric | LPG, Methane | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 28.1% | 52.8% | 0.1% | 13.7% | 5.3% |
| 2013 | 28.3% | 52.7% | 0.1% | 13.5% | 5.4% |
| 2014 | 28.0% | 51.7% | 0.1% | 13.7% | 6.5% |
| 2015 | 25.9% | 50.5% | 0.3% | 13.3% | 10.0% |
| 2016 | 25.4% | 50.3% | 0.4% | 13.0% | 10.9% |
| 2017 | 25.4% | 51.8% | 0.6% | 7.8% | 14.4% |
| 2018 | 25.6% | 51.9% | 0.8% | 6.6% | 15.1% |
| 2019 | 25.9% | 50.8% | 1.1% | 5.8% | 16.4% |
| 2020 | 27.6% | 47.9% | 1.6% | 5.7% | 17.2% |
| 2021 | 26.9% | 43.1% | 2.7% | 5.1% | 22.2% |
Source: AMAT
While some of this shift can be attributed to the global trend towards the adoption of lower emission and cleaner fuel vehicles, the marked change in Area C still highlights the initiative's success in driving a faster transition and promoting cleaner transport options within the city.
Reduced Pollution
The reduction in traffic and shift to cleaner fuel types and cleaner Euro classes of vehicles has lead to a significant decrease in air pollutants, as seen in the emission data from the last decade. The initiative has contributed to a notable improvement in air quality within the city's most congested areas.
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the decrease in PM10 emissions, both exhaust and frictional, from vehicles in Area C. PM10 emissions consist of tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled, leading to various health problems such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death.
In 2010, PM10 emissions from exhaust were recorded at 9.3 kg/day, which, following the establishment of Area C, saw a steady annual decline, reaching as low as 1.2 kg/day by 2021. This represents an approximately 87% decrease in PM10 exhaust emissions over eleven years. Similarly, total PM10 emissions, which combine exhaust and frictional particles, have decreased from 19.3 kg/day in 2010 to 7.8 kg/day in 2021, highlighting a substantial reduction of about 60%.
Moreover, nitrogen oxides (NOx), a group of gases known for contributing to smog and acid rain, as well as having various health impacts, have seen a dramatic reduction. NOx emissions have plummeted from 274 kg/day in 2010 to just 66 kg/day in 2021, showing an impressive decline of over 75%. The downward trajectory of these pollutants suggests that the restrictions on vehicle entry and the encouragement of cleaner vehicles have played a significant role in mitigating air pollution.
Average Daytime Daily Emissions of air pollutants on Weekdays, 2010-2021
| Year | PM10 Exhaust (kg) | PM10 Friction (kg) | NOx (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9.3 | 10 | 274 |
| 2011 | 6.5 | 10.4 | 258 |
| 2012 | 5.1 | 8.3 | 215 |
| 2013 | 4.4 | 8.1 | 203 |
| 2014 | 3.6 | 8.2 | 192 |
| 2015 | 3.1 | 8.1 | 173 |
| 2016 | 2.8 | 7.9 | 158 |
| 2017 | 2 | 7.2 | 124 |
| 2018 | 1.6 | 6.9 | 101 |
| 2019 | 1.4 | 6.8 | 86 |
| 2020 | 1.1 | 5.7 | 65 |
| 2021 | 1.2 | 6.6 | 66 |
Source: AMAT
The data we have shared with you demonstrates that Milan's Area C has significantly impacted the city's traffic congestion and air pollution issues since its launch in 2012. The data shows a consistent reduction in daily vehicle entries into the central zone, coupled with a notable shift towards cleaner vehicles and alternative fuels. This initiative has led to tangible improvements in air quality, particularly evident in the substantial decrease in pollutants such as PM10 and nitrogen oxides emissions. This initiative's success underscores the effectiveness of innovative policies in reshaping urban transportation and fostering a more sustainable living environment for Milan's residents.