Foreign Office issues warning for Brits travelling to Italy

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

The Foreign Office has warned that Brits going on holiday to Italy could be fined if they do not know about this often-ignored rule.

In the UK, we do not have any laws against jaywalking, with people free to cross the street if it is safe.

While many people will use traffic lights and zebra crossings, to save time, a lot of Brits will happily walk across the road no matter where they are.

As some countries have different rules when it comes to getting around, it is important to check them before travelling, or you could end up with a fine.

You can get fined up to £87 of you ignore this rule when crossing the street. (Image: Getty)

Foreign Office issues warning to Brits travelling to Italy

The Foreign Office said: "Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities.

"Take care when crossing roads.

"Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing.

"You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it.

"Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to.

"The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution."

If you are caught breaking this rule, you can be given a fine of anything between £22.25 to £87.28.

The Foreign Office released other advice for pedestrians in Italy and said: "Exercise caution in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including in road underpasses.

"Emergency exits in vehicle tunnels are for emergency use only if you need to leave your vehicle and should not be used as pedestrian routes."

Other ways to get around Italy

The Foreign Office has other warnings for people when they are travelling around Italy, including only using officially licensed taxis that have a taxi sign on the roof and a company name and number written on the side.

You should call a taxi, order one from an app, or pick one up from an official taxi rank.


Recommended reading

UK flights cancelled as major European airport closes runway until end of 2026

Energy bill warning as Government urged to make major change this year

What you should do if your bins do not get collected by the council


If you are travelling by public transport, you should check Italy’s Ministry of Transport website for any strikes that are happening.

You might also want to hire a car, so you must take your UK driving licence on holiday with you and check out the rules of the road for Italy in its RAC’s Italy Guide.

Did you know about this rule in Italy? Let us know in the comments.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos