To enter Ponza and Palmarola, boats will have to pay a ticket

There is important news for boaters who frequent the islands of Ponza and Palmarola: starting this summer, on an experimental basis, a“parking ticket” will come into effect, which will be 100 percent operational by 2025. Below are all the details on how it works, who it is for and who is exempt.

It is paid from June 1 to September 30

The new tax, approved by a City Council resolution on April 27, will apply to all boats transiting Ponza and Palmarola waters from June 1 to Sept. 30 each year. Ticket payment can be made online through a dedicated smartphone app. The main objective is to limit the influx of nautical tourism during the busiest periods to safeguard the surrounding marine areas. The funds raised will be used to improve environmental management services, such as waste collection, and to conserve the archipelago’s natural areas.

Who has to pay and how much

The ticket is for watercraft, boats and ships transiting Ponza and Palmarola waters between June 1 and September 30. There will be variable fees depending on seasonality and duration, although the exact amount has not yet been announced. Rates will be differentiated as follows:
– High season (July-August)
– Low season (June and September)
– 15% reduction for admissions of 2 or more days in the same week or subscription.

Not everyone will be required to pay the parking fee. Exemptions provided include:
– Residents
– Property owners
– Guides and professional fishermen

In addition, there are seasonal subsidized rates for commercial activities such as boat rental, sport fishing and diving. In case of non-payment of the parking ticket, the penalty provided will be ten times the amount originally due. Introducing the“parking tax” is for the Pontine Islands Archipelago an attempt to regulate the phenomenon of massive nautical tourism, and also aims to protect and enhance the natural heritage of the area. Residents and local businesses will have a number of exemptions and reduced rates, while those passing through with their boats will have to comply with the new rule. The measure, experimental for now, will take full effect for the 2025 summer season.