The city of Rome will start imposing a 30 km/h speed limit in central areas of the capital from Thursday.

The limit regards the ZTL restricted-traffic area in the historic centre, and another 1,000 of the city's roads, as is part of efforts to boost safety and reduce pollution.

Bologna introduced a 30 km/h limit on most of its roads two years ago, despite opposition from central government, and says it has reduced accidents without adding significantly to travel times.