Following the long break for Easter and Liberation Day 2025, during which lorries were off the roads for seven days in Italy, haulage operators now face another midweek stop: on 1 May, when the ban on industrial vehicles with a total mass over 7.5 tonnes will be in force from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm, unless exempted. Lorries will be free to circulate without restrictions on the following two days, only to face another stop on Sunday 4 May under the usual Sunday ban, also from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Traffic is expected to be heavy on both main and secondary roads during the May Day long weekend, from Wednesday 30 April, when traffic volumes are set to rise in the afternoon due to early departures, until Monday 5 May, which has been marked with a yellow warning for traffic congestion in the morning. On Thursday 1 May, traffic is forecast to be very heavy from the early hours, particularly towards coastal areas, mountain destinations and tourist cities, with slowdowns and queues likely on both motorways and major state roads. On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 May, traffic could still be sustained due to early returns, especially along routes leading back to large cities, while Sunday 4 May is expected to bring the main return flow, with critical congestion anticipated in the afternoon and evening along major inbound corridors. The main problem areas are expected to be the A2 motorway running through the south, the A4 in the north, the Grande Raccordo Anulare in Rome, and the state roads SS16 Adriatica, SS106 Ionica and SS38 in Lombardy.
The following week will see extraordinary road checks for heavy vehicles across Europe. The second edition of the Truck & Bus campaign, organised by the Roadpol network of traffic police forces, will be carried out. As in previous rounds, police patrols in participating European countries will inspect lorries and coaches, focusing on technical condition (maintenance and safety systems), compliance with driving and rest time regulations, proper use of the tachograph, secure loading practices (including proper fastening, no overloading, and the absence of hazardous goods), presence and validity of transport documents (permits, licences, consignment notes, etc.), drivers’ physical and mental fitness (checking for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), compliance with speed limits, and use of safety devices such as seat belts and restraint systems.
