As Trans.iNFO have previously reported, from 1 October 2023, heavy goods vehicles without a blind spot assistant will be banned from entering the restricted traffic zone (zone B) in Milan, which is marked by a red line on the map. The zone is in force from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 p.m
The map also shows the location of the “varchi”, the points where vehicles will be checked to see if they can enter Zone B. These checkpoints are marked with a blue circle on the map.
Lorries over 3.5 or 12 tonnes: different deadlines
The ban comes into force on 1 October 2023 for lorries over 12 tonnes.
These lorries will only be allowed to enter and drive in Area B during the activation period (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, 7.30am to 7.30pm) if they are fitted with “advanced systems capable of detecting the presence of pedestrians” and display a warning sign on the front or side of the vehicle.
The restriction is going to be expanded to include LGVs between 3.5 and 12 tonnes from 1 October 2024.
Grace period
Vehicles over 12 tonnes without a blind spot assist system but whose owners have a contract to install a blind spot detection system will be allowed to drive in the zone until the system is installed, but no later than 31 December 2024.
The same applies to LGVs between 3.5 and 12 tonnes; the restriction will come into force on 1 October 2024 for vehicles carrying goods over 3.5 tonnes, with a grace period until 31 December 2025 at the latest.
Stickers are also required
Given the large number of sensor systems and stickers available on the market, with very different technical characteristics, which indicate the presence of a blind spot, the City of Milan has decided to publish guidelines to provide operators with a useful tool for selection and installation.
The document, which also describes and shows exactly where to place the blind spot stickers, can be downloaded HERE.
Image source: Milan city council
As you can see, you don’t need any other stickers than those accepted in France, and you must affix them to the truck and trailer in the same way as the French regulations.
The purpose of the sticker is to draw the attention of pedestrians and cyclists to the blind spot of the vehicle or group of vehicles. These stickers must be at least 25 cm high and 17 cm long. The text on the plate must be clearly legible, in a format and of a size that can be easily read by a cyclist or pedestrian at a safe distance from the vehicle.
What type of blind-spot assistant is accepted?
For both 3.5 tonne and over 12 tonne vehicles, only systems that are approved by the Comune di Milano, that comply with current legislation and are in working order are permitted.
The system must be capable of detecting obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle and must be able to emit a visual and/or acoustic and/or tactile early warning signal to enable the driver to react in time to the danger.
The device shall be installed at least near the front of the vehicle and on the right-hand side of the vehicle (this requirement applies to vehicles designed for right-hand traffic). In the case of vehicles designed for left-hand traffic, the signalling shall be applied by reversing the above criterion).
It is also recommended that sensor systems should be mounted on both sides of the vehicle near the front of the vehicle to give the driver a clearer and more accurate view of his surroundings.
The detection equipment should include a system to warn the driver of any activation problems or malfunctions.
What if you do not yet have a blind spot assistant, but will have one in the future?
If a vehicle is not equipped with a blind spot assistance system, but the operator will install one and can prove it, they can register it on the website of the City of Milan. Once the municipality has confirmed the registration, the vehicle can enter the zone without penalty.
To do this, the vehicle must be registered on the “Accedere ad Area B” platform, the operator has to fill in the details, and enter the type of vehicle (N2 – vehicle for goods over 3.5 tonnes, N3 – lorry over 12 tonnes), select the type of permit „Area B Divieto di accesso angolo cieco” and enter the registration number of the vehicle.
The operator will then have to upload the documents in PDF format, up to a total size of 3 MB, and click on „Richiedi” to save them.