Road
CAR RENTAL
Renting a car has many advantages especially if you wish to see different properties in the various regions and maybe do some sightseeing on the way!
There is an extensive and well maintained road network which is subdivided into four administrative categories --
- express highways (autostrade)
- national
- provincial
- municipal roads
As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for front and back seat passengers as well as for the driver. The use of portable telephones is prohibited if they require intervention by hand to function.
Highways and Roads are indicated by the letter "A" followed by a number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject to tolls, except for some brief stretches, especially approaching urban areas.
Tolls are paid in cash at highway exit points and charged on the autostrade (highways). It is also possible to pay by Viacard Telepass cards (systems that make automatic payment possible without stopping at the toll booths) or Viacard, a highway toll payment card which can be bought, at a value of either 25 / 50 / 75 Euro, on the highway, in many banks or in ACI offices.
ACI provides complete car service throughout the country. Calls for assistance can be made 24 hours a day by calling 803.116 or by using the emergency booths located every 2 km along the roadway, They have buttons with a wrench symbol, to be used in the event of a breakdown, and with a red cross symbol for a first-aid emergency.
Service Areas are very frequent along all of the highways. The rest stops are always open, and, in addition to refueling, they also offer other services such as restaurants, bars, information offices, and banking windows.
Petrol /Gasoline is called benzina, unleaded gasoline is benzina senza piombo and diesel is gasolio. Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free gasoline (95 octane) and diesel fuel. Service stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. They follow a shift system on weekends and holidays.
Driving License Regulations -Make sure you have a current driver's license
Traffic Tips
- Speed limits are fixed at
- 50 km (31 miles) per hour in urban areas,
- 90 km (56 miles) per hour on secondary and local roads
- 110 km (68 miles) per hour on main roads outside urban areas
- 130 km (80 miles) per hour on highways
with penalties for violation in proportion to the amount of the excess.
- On highways (autostrade): no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes.
- The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs.
- Driving is on the right, passing on the left.
- Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment.
- Lanes: On three-lane roads, the middle lane is reserved for passing, which must always be signalled in advance with the directional signal which must be kept on while passing.
Although there are many Car Rental Firms, we have used the following and can recommend it:
Europcar Car Rental
- Tel - +353 (0)66 979 1818
- Fax -+353 (0)66 979 2035
Email: info@novacarhire.com
Address:
Nova Rentacar Reservations Limited,
FEXCO Centre,
Langford Street,
Killorglin,
County Kerry,
Ireland
BUSES
Buses - in Italy are almost as accessible as the railway system. They are very reliable and they are very safe to use. But make sure to get there in plenty of time because buses are usually quite crowded, as are all transportation means in Italy. Buses usually run between most large cities.
TAXI
You are strongly advised to use only official taxis which are easily identifiable and usually safe and reliable. Ignore offers from drivers of private cars who often loiter around airports and railway stations.
Extra charges: In addition to current standard fares, supplement for luggage (per item) and night time are requested (night service supplement between 10pm and 6am). For taxi trips outside the city boundaries, fares will be based on distance. Please be aware that the journey time depends upon the traffic.
