by EH
In an ambitious move to reshape the safety and mobility of northern Italian cities, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has unveiled a new grant program aimed at redeveloping urban districts. The initiative, announced by Cristina Amirante, the Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory, will offer funding to municipalities with populations exceeding 30,000 to enhance road safety and promote environmentally friendly transportation.
The program, which was approved this week during a regional government meeting, will distribute €1.16 million ($1.22 million) in grants to eligible cities. The funds are designed to finance projects that improve road infrastructure, particularly by introducing traffic-calming measures and creating zones with strict speed limits. The initiative also seeks to promote pedestrian-friendly spaces and shared mobility services, such as car and bike-sharing programs.
“This program underscores our commitment to creating safer, more sustainable urban environments,” said Amirante in a statement following the approval of the measure. “These interventions will not only reduce traffic-related accidents but also encourage greener modes of transportation.”
Municipalities can apply for the funds to implement projects such as the establishment of 30 km/h (19 mph) zones and limited traffic areas. The grant will also cover infrastructure modifications aimed at slowing vehicle speeds, including the installation of speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts. Projects focusing on pedestrian zones that exclude vehicular traffic, improvements to road signage near schools and residential areas, and upgrades to street lighting are also eligible for funding.
The program is part of a broader push by the regional government to address road safety and urban mobility concerns in response to increasing traffic congestion and a growing emphasis on sustainability. It falls under the regional law on economic growth and simplification, which was passed in March 2023.
Municipalities can submit their applications for the grants beginning October 8, with a deadline set for October 20. The grants will cover 100 percent of eligible project costs, with a cap of €232,000 per project to ensure widespread distribution of the funds.
The initiative arrives at a time when urban centers across Europe are increasingly grappling with how to balance growing populations, the rise of personal vehicles, and the push for more sustainable infrastructure. By introducing such measures, Friuli Venezia Giulia aims to position itself at the forefront of urban development policies focused on environmental sustainability and public safety.
For more information, municipalities can visit the regional government’s website, where the official call for proposals is published.
