The Roman Forum only for pedestrian, Marino: No turning back, from August 3 to stop traffic
This August 3, the Forum will close to traffic. Without turning back, whatever the cost. THE CASE
To emphasize the concept on the pedestrian dei Fori Imperiali was this morning the mayor Ignazio Marino at presentation of new project that redesigns in part the viability of the area around the Colosseum. This is just the beginning of a journey that will lead to a sea change. We will go forward as quickly as possible and we will come to a complete pedestrianization, “Marino said at the presentation of the Night of the Forum, the initiative organized by the baptism of the new area pedestrian, which will have its climax at midnight with the concert on the stage will be set off Corrado Ricci, Symphony Orchestra of Santa Cecilia.
A traders and residents who have criticized the project, the mayor replied that Rome is a city of the world, not only of the Romans. “I simply say with sympathy – he added – that we are going to be 1,200 vehicles per hour to 40. To all those who have drawn criticism say close your eyes and think of one of the foreign cities, which having the most famous monument, turns it into a roundabout for the road traffic. But we want to return the Coliseum not only the city, but to the entire planet.
THE SURVEY
It should be respected everyone’s opinion – he continued Marino – though I would bring the thought back to 1973 when I got my license and Piazza del Popolo was covered with machines. It was inhabited by car and unauthorized parking. Even then there were controversies and criticisms, but so beautiful today that square is dedicated to the people. To reinforce the thesis of the Capitol on the pedestrian the mayor brought the results of the survey carried out on July 25 on a sample of 24 thousand people registered on the site. Of these, most are between 40 and 49 years old – he told Marino -. More than 40% said they usually pass on the Forum with their vehicles, more than 50% are aware of the consequences of pedestrian and about 75% were in favor of it. These figures need no further comment.
THE FUTURE
We want to revive the interest of archaeological studies in other districts of the city, such as in Centocelle, where there are important structures that should be valued, Marino continued, explaining that “tourism is one of the central aspects of economy of our city. And art, culture and archeology are the first point for the revival of Rome.
THE SPONSORS
But who will pay? We will seek investments to resume archaeological work – said the mayor – There are some important choices to make and that’s why we are considering to involve intelligence around the world. The pedestrian is just the beginning of a journey that will lead to international competitions to choose what is the best strategy to continue the excavations. Under this strip of asphalt that bisects the Roman Forum there are the Roman Forum, the Forum of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Trajan. I think we have a responsibility not to possess them, but to exploit them. ” He concluded: “We need to open an international debate on the choices to be made if such examples bring to light the remains or use different strategies that emphasize the architectural stratification and ever.
