Tourist Drives on Ponte Vecchio: Stopped

A California tourist was given a substantial fine after driving a rental car across the Ponte Vecchio, a historical bridge in Florence that stretches across the Arno River.

The Ponte Vecchio, the only city bridge that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, is a unique attraction amongst tourists and locals in the area. From the beautiful sights of the Arno River to the fine jewelry shops that are built on it, the 14th century bridge is a fan-favorite for many reasons.

The famous bridge inadvertently attracted a 34-year-old California tourist – in a rental car. The Ponte Vecchio is strictly a pedestrian-only area, and vehicles are prohibited. The car entered the bridge from the Por Santa Maria side, which is also a pedestrian-only zone.

When the tourist was stopped by a municipal traffic police officer, he said he was unaware he was driving on the Ponte Vecchio and was only in search of a parking space.

Not only was the tourist fined over €500 for driving in a pedestrianized area, but also for driving a vehicle in Italy without an international driving permit.  (Parker Hurley)

To read more in Italian, visit the Ansa news website.