Cars to be banned around Rome's Spanish Steps

(ANSA) - Rome, June 24 - The area around Rome's historic Spanish Steps will be off-limits to motorized vehicles as of August 4, the mayor announced Tuesday. Last year, amid much controversy, Mayor Ignazio Marino strictly limited traffic on Rome's iconic Via dei Fori Imperiali, connecting the Colosseum with Piazza Venezia and running through the Roman Forum. Bicycles, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, buses and taxis are generally the only traffic allowed on a large stretch of the street.
    The mayor, an avid cyclist, has announced intentions to ban cars in additional portions of the city.