Conditions of use of the infrastructure

Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda is an infrastructure with sustainability characteristics and cutting-edge technologies, designed and managed with the aim of providing quality of service and increasing safety.

The surveillance of the entire network under concession is guaranteed 24 hours a day through the patrolling of the Italian Traffic Police, the Viability Service, the Maintenance Teams and through the recording of colour television images captured by the more than 450 cameras installed along the infrastructure. In particular, these are dome-type cameras and fixed cameras, installed to ensure total coverage of the sections in the tunnel and equipped with systems for the automatic analysis of the transit of vehicles, through image processing (AID system) and the reporting of possible dangerous conditions.

The numerous variable message signs installed along the concession network and on the access ramps help to increase safety and improve communication along the sections, providing real-time information on road conditions, scheduled activities and on the toll collection system. For real-time information on events in the tunnel, there are also alphanumeric panels and special arrow-cross panels for timely reporting of lane availability.

The continuous presence of staff, together with the extensive network of sensors dedicated to monitoring the infrastructure, are designed to guarantee users a reliable and high-quality service.

In particular, the main axis of the sections in operation, the constant technological updating of the sensors allows the timely acquisition of various parameters related to weather conditions (e.g. air temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and intensity, etc.) and to the road surface (e.g. asphalt temperature, salt concentration, freezing temperature, etc.), functional for the development of forecast models as well as for the planning and implementation of specific infrastructure prevention and treatment services.

The junctions of the infrastructure as well as the motorway axis are equipped with markers (luminous gems), installed on the guardrails and on the New Jerseys, which can be activated in the presence of fog and/or poor visibility, with the aim of allowing an optical luminous guide that highlights the limits of the carriageway. This equipment is placed to supplement the passive signs (reflectors), subject, in terms of efficiency, to adverse weather conditions.

As of the last few months, an experimental technology aimed at the sound recognition of critical events within the tunnel environment, such as the use of the horn, braking, sudden impact, tyre bursting, etc., has been implemented. (see Sistema AKUT®). This solution (AI) is based on the analysis of the audio signal of the sensors (microphones) positioned in the tunnels, ensuring the detection of critical events regardless of the visibility conditions present inside the tunnel. This new solution integrates with the AID system mentioned above, further increasing safety within the tunnels of the network managed by Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda.

The user must observe responsible and prudent driving behaviour, so as not to constitute a danger or obstacle to traffic and in such a way that road safety is safeguarded in any case. The individual behaviours of the user are set by the rules of the Italian Rules of the Road.

Road safety tips and recommendations

In compliance with the rules of the Italian Rules of the Road, the user must observe responsible and prudent driving behaviour. In particular:

the user must check the condition of the vehicle before travelling, checking the efficiency of the tyres, the correct functioning of the lighting and braking systems and must ensure that the windows and number plates are clean;
the user must not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
the user must exclude the use of mobile phones, smartphones and other mobile devices while driving, unless one uses earphones, bluetooth or hands-free mode;
the user must respect speed limits and pay close attention to driving;
the user must maintain safety distances and adjust the vehicle’s speed, also in relation to the weather conditions along the route. The user must fasten his or her seat belts and keep the low-beam headlights on at all times; always travel in the rightmost free lane and use the left lane only for overtaking;
the user must comply with the obligation of “winter tyres or chains on board” on motorway sections subject to a specific ordinance;
the user must not throw waste, including cigarette butts, either during movement or during parking;
while driving, the user must not look for objects in pockets, drawers, bags and must not recover objects that have fallen inside the passenger compartment;
The user must use car seats approved for children under the age of 12 or under 150 cm tall.

In case of emergency:

activate the hazard warning lights and pull over, where possible, on the right edge of the carriageway, stopping in the emergency lane or reaching, as a priority, a lay-by;
exiting the vehicle from the passenger compartment must take place on the side not exposed to the current of traffic, when possible and only after wearing the high-visibility jacket and quickly retrieving any devices for requesting help (Single Emergency Number 112);
once out of the passenger compartment, position the warning triangle, to make yourself visible, along the stretch behind the guardrail or in any case, keeping to the side not exposed to traffic and place yourself in a safe area away from traffic to contact the emergency services and wait for their arrival;

NB: the use of SOS columns allows the Radio Information Centre to provide immediate direct assistance, automatically acquiring the location of the call;

communicate the exact position of the stop to the emergency services by indicating:
- in the event of a stop on the main axis, indicate the name of the motorway (e.g. A36), the direction of travel (e.g. towards Milan), the kilometre marker (indicated on signs with black numbers on a white background and positioned every 100 metres along the left edge of the motorway axis), the number of the overpass if stopped near it (square signs with a brown background and white numbers) or the reference of the exit passed or next;
- In the event of a stop on a motorway ramp, always indicate the name of the junction shown on the entry/exit signs, specifying the destination of the movement before the stoppage, or the indication of the kilometre marker, if any.

Safety in tunnels

The tunnels of Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda are equipped with the most modern safety devices, but it is good to remember that even the most sophisticated technological means cannot take the place the sense of responsibility of travellers.

Periodically, Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda, as required by law, also carries out safety exercises in tunnels with the aim of verifying the effectiveness and efficiency of the safety systems and the synergy between the Guarantor and the Emergency Services.

It is important, in compliance with the rules of the Italian Rules of the Road, to be, in any case, aware of the devices and signs present in the tunnel and the behaviours to be adopted.

1 - In case of queues or sudden slowdowns:

activate the hazard warning lights;
maintain an adequate distance from the vehicle in front;
Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine if traffic is blocked. DO NOT reverse gear;
stay in the car and wait for the green light.

2 - If fixed lanterns or red crosses are active at the entrance to the tunnel (either for simple queue or for accident):

do not enter the tunnel if the fixed lanterns or red crosses at the entrance to the tunnel are active;
turn off the engine and wait for the green light without getting out of the vehicle.

3 - In the event of a vehicle breakdown:

activate the hazard warning lights;
pull over in the emergency lane and/or reach the first lay-by;
put on the high-visibility jacket;
position the warning triangle to make yourself visible while keeping on the side not exposed to traffic;
reach the nearest SOS column identifiable by the illuminated signs and call the Radio Information Centre, to which you can provide the necessary information, and wait for directions.

4 - In the event of an accident:

activate the hazard warning lights;
as far as possible, stop the vehicle on the right side of the road;
switch off the engine;
put on the high-visibility jacket;
reach the nearest SOS column identifiable by the illuminated signs and call the Radio Information Centre, to which you can provide the necessary information, and wait for directions.

5 - In the event of fire or smoke in your vehicle:

near the entrances and/or exits of the tunnels, try, where possible, not to stop inside the tunnel;
activate the hazard warning lights;
switch off the engine;
put on the high-visibility jacket;
reach the nearest SOS column identifiable by the illuminated signs and call the Radio Information Centre, to which you can provide the necessary information, and wait for directions.

6 - In the event of an emergency exit evacuation or by-pass (serious fire):

abandon the vehicle;
locate the nearest emergency exit or by-pass by following the appropriate signs and the emergency light guide and save yourself through:
1. emergency exit: go through the two doors, reach the ladder and go up to the surface;
2. by-pass: cross the connection to go to the adjacent tunnel, paying the utmost attention to passing traffic at the exit;
in case of need, contact the Radio Information Centre using the SOS column, to which you can provide the necessary information, and wait for directions.

7 - In the event of tunnel maintenance:

follow the instructions and warnings on the variable message signs (VMS) outside and inside the tunnel;
respect the indications of the arrow-cross panels (it is possible that the traffic is two-way);
respect the construction site signs.