Florence forges ahead with tram plan

A plan to have trams rumbling through the historic centre of Florence was voted down by residents today, but city authorities said the project would go ahead.

The referendum was not binding and included only about 40% of Florence residents.

Nearly 54% rejected the plan, which will cost around £500m (€666m) and has divided locals and art experts.

The new tram lines are scheduled for completion in 2010, and city hall officials insisted today the plan would go on regardless of the referendum’s result.

They have said the new lines would reduce traffic in the city centre when pollution and vibration threaten Florence’s treasures and ever more tourists flood its already congested streets.

Critics have said the project would only marginally reduce pollution and traffic, and that the new trams, larger than the buses and trams currently used, would further clog the centre’s narrow streets.

Their main complaint is that the modern-looking trams will be an eyesore, especially when they pass by the Duomo cathedral and the adjoining Baptistery.

The church includes architectural treasures like the 15th century cupola designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and Giotto’s 14th century bell tower.