Summer exodus, August 1st and 8th the worst days to travel

The Italian summer travel period has been marked by heightened traffic congestion, with August 1st and August 8th identified as the most challenging days for road journeys. According to Viabilità Italia, the national authority responsible for managing road infrastructure, these dates have been flagged with a “bollino nero”, a red sticker indicating peak traffic conditions. The agency has released a detailed schedule outlining the busiest times during the summer months of 2026, advising drivers to plan accordingly. Traffic is expected to intensify primarily during the first two weeks of August, as millions of Italians head towards their holiday destinations. Most travelers will begin their journey in the late afternoon of Fridays and continue throughout Saturdays. The most critical periods are anticipated in the mornings of Saturday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 8th, both designated as “bollino nero” days. These dates are projected to experience the highest levels of congestion, with long queues and potential delays becoming common. To mitigate the impact of heavy traffic, restrictions on large vehicles will be enforced on several key dates and timeframes. Vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes in weight will be prohibited from entering populated areas outside of specified hours. These bans include: Saturday, August 1st, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, August 2nd, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, August 7th, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 8th, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, August 9th, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, August 14th, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 15th, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, August 16th, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 22nd, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, August 23rd, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, August 29th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, August 30th, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Road managers and highway operators are required to remove temporary construction sites wherever possible. For those that cannot be suspended, measures must be taken to minimize disruption to traffic flow. This includes adjusting work schedules and using alternative routes where feasible. Drivers can access real-time traffic updates through the Cciss service by calling the free number 1518 or visiting the websites cciss.it and mobile.cciss.it. For information on roads managed by Anas, the National Road Agency, users can download the VAI app or call the toll-free number 800.841.148. On highways operated under concession, updates are available via dedicated websites, apps, and phone numbers provided by each company. Additional resources can be found on the Aiscat website. Disruptions are not limited to road travel. Rail services are also affected, with maintenance and improvement works scheduled on numerous lines until the end of September. These efforts, particularly on high-speed rail lines and major network hubs, could lead to reduced train availability and longer travel times. Passengers are advised to check announcements at stations and visit Trenitalia’s Infomobilità page for the latest updates. During peak travel days, increased police presence and inspections will be deployed. Patrols by the Highway Police and Carabinieri will be supported by aerial units, focusing on enforcing laws against drunk driving and drug-impaired driving. Breathalyzers and preliminary tests will be conducted throughout the night along routes leading to popular tourist destinations. Special attention will also be given to heavy goods vehicles, buses, and other public transport vehicles, ensuring compliance with speed limits and safety regulations.