Some Italians have a special relationship with zebra crossings, they like parking on them

What is it about zebra crossings in Florence that invisibly reads "Yes, of course, park here!"? In Italian parking laws, it seems that this is not a crime, but rather an art form to park on a zebra crossing. For some Italians, it is not just a place for pedestrians to cross; it’s an open invitation for creativity in parking.

Pity the parent with the pram, the elderly person or anyone with a mobility aid wishing to cross safely. Some drivers don't give a hoot about blocking the way and forcing pedestrians to walk into the road lanes! If this was in the UK, you can only imagine the outrage and parking fines... And being a courteous British driver myself, in Florence, I have never seen anything quite like it!

Since when was this okay? (Registrations erased)

Not a care in the world - curbside and safely on crossing, despite there being a car park 10 metres away

Same crossing, different day and car

Why do they do it? Well, here are some theories:

1. Optimising Space: Italians are masters of fitting into tight spots. A zebra crossing? Well, it’s a nice, clear space. If there's a gap between two cars, that’s basically a green light to park – pedestrian safety be darned.

   
   

2. Pedestrians? What Pedestrians?: In Italy, pedestrians aren't so much "the priority" as they are "the suggestion." After all, who needs a perfectly clear zebra crossing when you can squeeze your car in, show off your driving skills, and leave pedestrians marvelling at your audacity?

   
   

3. An Act of Defiance: Every zebra crossing is like a canvas, and Italians are the rebellious artists who decide, "This is my parking spot now" It’s not about inconvenience, it’s about challenging the norm. “Can I park here? Maybe. Will I? Definitely.”

   
   

4. The "Ciao Bella" Parking Charm: Let’s be honest, when you’re in Italy, it’s all about la dolce vita – the sweet life. Parking on a zebra crossing is a small act of rebellion, an unapologetic "look at me, I’m Italian, and I’m living life to the fullest!" After all, nothing says "I’m cool" like stopping traffic on a pedestrian walkway and casually strolling away.

   
   

Just enough room for me to slip through the gap

Nice

Not even if I breathed in..

Yes, even the crossing out of the big supermarket (Esselunga) in Galluzzo has the zebra crossing hog parked on it. Took a video so you wouldn't think it was a still of a car drivng down.

Not always on zebra crossings, sometimes just parking for slim pedestrians' access only.

Wokay, in the road I go!

Parked super well! I just think it's so cute, and dropped it into this blog, just coz

Froggy motor 🐸

The truck below was parked across the pavement completely, just up from a nearby school.

No comment. Grr

Excellent corner parking 10/10 - impair drivers' visibility and block pedestrian access, yay!

Dynamic angle

Next time you find yourself on an Italian street, marvel at the audacity of these zebra-crossing parking pros. Yes, it may be a bit inconvenient, but remember: when in Rome (or Milan, or Florence, or any Italian city, really), it’s just a part of the charm.

Italians don’t park on zebra crossings because they don’t care. They park on zebra crossings because they care too much... about the perfect parking spot.