How to behave - Val Vertova

REGULATION ON ACCESS AND FRUITION OF VALLE VERTOVA

This regulation aims to preserve the natural heritage of the valley, protect visitors from possible risks and avoid phenomena of uncontrolled influx. Read carefully the directions and information to ensure a pleasant stay in Valle Vertova.

MAX 1400 ACCESSES /
DAY

HEAD I – General Provisions

This regulation aims to preserve the natural heritage of the valley, protect visitors from potential risks, and prevent uncontrolled influxes. Please read the guidelines and information carefully to ensure an enjoyable stay in Valle Vertova.

ARTICLE 1 SUBJECT AND EFFECTIVENESS

This Regulation governs access to the area and the use of services related to Valle Vertova. The provisions of this Regulation are applied in accordance with current laws and regulations.
For matters not covered by this Regulation, reference shall be made to the applicable legislation in force.

ARTICLE 2 START DATE AND TIME PERIODS

The provisions of this Regulation are in force throughout the entire calendar year. The implementation of access measures, visitor limits, and booking procedures is determined annually by resolution of the Municipal Council.
Unless otherwise decided by the Municipal Council, access by reservation is required from April 1st to October 15th, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

ARTICLE 3 PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES

1. The decision to regulate access to the territory of the Valle Vertova and to limit entry is aimed at:

1. 1. 1. preserving the natural heritage of the valley itself; indiscriminate access to the area would inevitably lead to environmental degradation, both in terms of fauna and flora;
    2. protecting visitors from potential hydrogeological risks that may occur along the valley’s trails (e.g., landslides, mudslides, flooding, etc.);
    3. preventing uncontrolled gatherings and social aggregations that could contribute to the spread of contagions and collective pandemics (e.g., the Coronavirus pandemic).
2. In order to provide a better service, the Comune di Vertova is introducing a paid access pass system aimed at supporting the costs of:
3. 1. 1. maintenance of the access road to the Valle Vertova;
    2. maintenance of the municipal parking areas used by visitors;
    3. waste collection service and provision of portable toilets along the trail;
    4. development and maintenance of visitor information systems to keep them informed about behavioral rules and access regulation policies to be followed and respected;
    5. creation of a weather alert system integrated with the website www.vallevertova.it and emergency management services issued by the Protezione Civile, as outlined in resolution no. 306 dated 07/26/2022.

ARTICLE 4 ENTITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTROLS

The Municipal Administration, in order to ensure compliance with the rules set out in this Regulation, reserves the right to make use of the Municipal Police as well as other individuals, including members of local associations.

HEAD II - Prescriptions Regarding Access to Valle Vertova

ARTICLE 5 ACCESS LIMITATION

1. Access to the Valle Vertova, during the period and time slot specified in Article 2, is subject to a daily limit of 1,400 entries. By resolution of the Municipal Council, the Municipal Administration may reduce or increase the number of entries in order to achieve the objectives outlined in Article 3.
2. To properly monitor the maximum number of daily entries, specific indicators and information panels have been installed. As of the publication date of this Regulation, the following have been set up:
  1. 1. a real-time updated indicator on the website www.vallevertova.it;
    2. two electronic information panels in the Comune di Vertova, specifically located at:
      1. the intersection of Via Ferrari and Via Roma;
      2. Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

The Municipal Administration reserves the right to modify or supplement the information signage.

ARTICLE 6 ACCESS POINTS WITH CONTROL STATIONS

In order to enforce the access limitations described in the previous provision, a checkpoint has been established at Via Cinque Martiri no. 63, staffed by personnel appointed by the Comune di Vertova. The Municipal Administration may also establish mobile checkpoints along the natural trail of the Valle Vertova to ensure proper compliance with the rules set out in this Regulation.
The personnel assigned to the checkpoints are responsible for verifying that visitors have correctly purchased the access pass. This verification is carried out by scanning the QR code displayed on the visitor’s ticket or mobile device. In cases where access is granted with exemptions or reductions in the required fee, the checkpoint personnel may request supporting documentation (e.g., by asking for the visitor’s ID card and tax code). Failure to present suitable documentation will result in the loss of the right to the exemption or reduced access fee.
The Municipal Administration, through a specific resolution of the Municipal Council, reserves the right to reduce, modify, or implement additional staffed checkpoints in response to emerging needs.

ARTICLE 7 FEES AND PRICES OF ACCESS PASSES

The fees, as well as any possible discounts or exemptions, are established annually through a specific resolution of the Municipal Council.
Each access pass is single-use and valid for a single entry. In the case of registration and purchase through the online platform, it is possible to reschedule the booking date up to 24 hours before the originally planned day. The booking rescheduling can be done only once and within the same season.
For residents of the Comune di Vertova, subject to access limitations, a seasonal access pass is provided, granting access during the period and time slot specified in Article 2. The cost of the seasonal pass is €2.00 each. Holders of a seasonal access pass are entitled to a reserved number of entries set at 200 units per day, which do not count towards the maximum daily access limit established in Article 5, paragraph 1 of this Regulation.
A specific pass is provided for vehicle circulation, and exemption from the payment of the access pass governed by this Regulation is granted to the following categories of subjects:
1. private residents beyond the checkpoint referred to in Article 6, paragraph 1;
2. owners or holders of properties/lands in Valle Vertova located beyond the checkpoint referred to in Article 6, paragraph 1.
For the subjects indicated in the previous paragraph:
1. 1. the right is granted to request up to 3 vehicle circulation passes per each property unit;
  2. daily passage is guaranteed for up to 5 vehicle license plates per property unit, for reasons related to family, emotional, or personal relationships.
The exemptions in this paragraph are valid for a single daily entry, with a maximum of 5 visitors per vehicle, with parking allowed exclusively on private property and in compliance with all municipal vehicle traffic ordinances within the Comune’s territory. The subjects concerned by this paragraph are not counted towards the maximum number of daily entries established in Article 5, paragraph 1 of this Regulation.
For the subjects referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article, it is strictly forbidden to engage in behaviors aimed at clearly abusing the exemption granted to them, including conduct intended to circumvent the access limitations of this Regulation. For example, activities such as shuttle transport or bus services to Valle Vertova that pass through the staffed checkpoints operated by personnel appointed by the Comune di Vertova are prohibited and subject to sanctions.
Any shuttle services or tourist trains to and from Valle Vertova must be authorized in advance by the Municipal Administration.
The subjects referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Article, in order to benefit from the aforementioned discounts/exemptions, must communicate according to the procedures indicated in Article 8. Failure to comply with the procedures specified in that Article will result in the loss of any benefits.
For all subjects engaged in professional, commercial, industrial, or forestry-agricultural activities within the territory covered by this Regulation, reference is made to the municipal ordinances on access and circulation of vehicles within the municipal territory.

ARTICLE 8 METHODS OF PURCHASING ACCESS PASSES

It is possible to purchase access passes through:
1. the online platform at www.vallevertova.it;
2. the totem located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
For the individuals defined in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Article 7, in order to obtain an exemption or a seasonal access pass, it is necessary to generate these exclusively through the online platform.
A dedicated online section is available for the individuals defined in paragraphs 4 and 5 of Article 7, where advanced form features are implemented (e.g., the possibility to obtain a seasonal access pass, etc.).
The Local Police Office of the Comune di Vertova remains the only authority authorized to issue passes for vehicle access to Valle Vertova.

ARTICLE 9 ACCESS PROCEDURES TO VALLE VERTOVA

The pass governed by this Regulation permits the visitor only pedestrian and bicycle access, with the exception of the individuals referred to in Article 7, paragraph 5.

HEAD III - Prescriptions Regarding the Enjoyment of Valle Vertova

ARTICLE 10 RESPECT FOR THE ECOSYSTEM

In order to protect the ecosystem of the Valle Vertova, it is strictly prohibited to:
1. remove or steal plants or animals;
2. light fires, throw or leave incendiary/explosive devices or similar items (e.g., firecrackers);
3. abandon any type of waste. Visitors and users must collect and carry out any waste they produce;
4. camp or bivouac within the valley territory;
5. engage in any other behavior harmful to the delicate ecosystem in which they find themselves.

ARTICLE 11 RESPECT FOR THE PEACE OF THE VALLEY

Visitors and users are required to behave in a manner consistent with public order, public decency, and good conduct.
Nudity is prohibited, including walking around or staying naked outdoors, even in secluded areas.
It is forbidden to move around the valley while intoxicated or under the influence of psychotropic substances.
No noisy activities are allowed that, due to their intensity or duration, disturb the peace of the area. In particular, shouting, the use of musical instruments, and amplified playback devices are prohibited. Radios, televisions, and similar devices may be used only with headphones or at a volume that does not disturb other visitors.

ARTICLE 12 DOG HANDLING

The owner of the dog and/or anyone who, for any reason, agrees to take care of a dog that is not their own is always responsible for its supervision and control.
Dogs must be kept on a leash. Specific signs will indicate the areas where dogs are allowed to run free. In any case, it is forbidden to handle dogs in a way that endangers the safety of people or other animals.
It is mandatory to carry a muzzle, to be used in situations where the dog poses a threat to the safety of others or when requested by the competent authority.
It is also mandatory to carry the necessary materials to collect one’s dog’s waste.

ARTICLE 13 SIGNAGE AND EQUIPMENT

Access to the Valle Vertova is permitted only along the paths and trails marked by appropriate signage. The following activities are strictly prohibited:
1. climbing on the rock walls along the trails;
2. venturing into the forest or onto unmarked paths;
3. diving into the stream or natural pools.
The main road and trails, which feature typical mountain trail characteristics, may only be used with suitable equipment. Due to the morphological and hydrogeological features of the Valle Vertova, it is necessary to wear trekking shoes or appropriate alpine hiking footwear.

ARTICLE 14 REQUIREMENTS IN CASE OF RAINFALL AND BAD WEATHER

In the event of heavy or persistent rainfall, due to the presence of crossings and small fords along the trail, reference is made to the safety regulations of the Valle Vertova as defined in the expedited Civil Protection Emergency Management Plan, pursuant to Council Resolution No. 26 dated 20/07/2022.

HEAD IV - Final Provisions

ARTICLE 15 SANCTIONS

Failure to comply with the regulations governing the Valle Vertova will result in immediate removal from the valley, in addition to the imposition of a fine ranging from €20.00 to €500.00, depending on the specific violation. It is permitted to pay a reduced amount equal to one third of the maximum applicable fine for the violation committed or, if more favorable, twice the minimum fine, in accordance with Article 16 of Law No. 689/1981, plus procedural costs.
If the offender does not wish to make use of this option, pursuant to Article 18 of Law No. 689/1981 on administrative sanctions, they may submit written objections to the Municipal Administration within 30 days of receiving the notification of the report. These objections must be submitted on plain paper. The Municipal Administration will carry out a review of the case and, if the violation is confirmed, will impose the sanction along with administrative and postal fees, quantified at €10.00 per case.

ARTICLE 16 FINAL PROVISIONS

The Municipal Administration declines all responsibility for any damage caused to persons or property belonging to others resulting from failure to comply with this Regulation.
The Municipal Administration reserves the right to modify the fees, access and usage conditions of the Valle Vertova, the applicable time frame, and any other provision stated in this Regulation should events occur that alter existing conditions and needs.

WARNING!

Danger of falling rocks along the entire trail.