Genoa, birthplace of the iconic Vespa scooter, is introducing a ban on older models in an attempt to tackle pollution. The so-called “anti-Vespa law” will soon come into effect after years of struggle between authorities and local scooter lovers.

Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci announced on Wednesday that the law was ready and waiting to be approved by the municipal council. The law means older 2-stroke Vespas, produced before 1999, will be banned from the city centre.
City authorities first tried to bring in a similar restriction in 2016, sparking widespread outrage in the city on the Vespa’s 70th anniversary.
Vespa enthusiasts launched a campaign to protest the ban, causing the city council to eventually back down. But after coming into power, Bucci this year revived the idea as part of his efforts to modernise the city.

Bucci said the ban will encourage a transition to electric vehicles, and that subsidies and funding for replacement vehicles would be offered.