Countdown for tyres and snow chains

 There are only three days to go until 15 November, a date that is important for one reason, in Varese Province (and elsewhere), because in the middle of November, the decree concerning snow tyres and chains becomes effective. The controversial decree, which, in previous years, has caused a considerable number of complaints, is here. To be honest, it never went away, as Varese town council included it among the “permanent orders”.

THE ORDER – Order No. 50200 of Varese town council, for example, comes into force in the middle of the month. What does it say? “For the period of 15 November to 15 March, inclusive, of every calendar year, from 00.00 to 24.00, all vehicles, as defined by Art. 43 of Legislative Decree No. 285, of 30/04/2010, ‘The New Highway Code’, must circulate on all roads under the jurisdiction of Varese town council, with special winter tyres suitable for travelling on snow and ice or, alternatively, circulate with suitable non-skid means on board the vehicle (suitable for the type of vehicle in use).”

There is a similar order also for the provincial roads that go from Veddasca to the borders with Milan Province. From Villa Recalcati, we are informed that the same rules apply for the whole of the province: from mid-November to mid-March.

THE CHECKS – The task of the local and provincial police will be to check that motorists comply with the order. As mentioned, the decision did not go without complaints, particularly in the first year in force.

In fact, the protests over the “expensive tyres” were followed by years in which the snowfalls, albeit heavy, did not cause any serious traffic problems.

WEATHER – We should also remember that, irrespective of the snowfall, the winter tyres are effective also in weather conditions when the temperature falls below 7°, which occurs regularly, despite the lovely sunny days recently.

FINES – Finally, the fines. The orders concern urban and extra-urban areas, with fines always indicated by the law. In urban areas, in towns and villages, fines may be from €39 to €159. On extra-urban roads, anyone that does not have at least two winter tyres fitted, or suitable snow chains in the boot, runs the risk of being fined €80 to €318.