There has been an 80% drop in the number of streetwalkers in this northern Italian city since police last week began enforcing a city ordinance imposing fines on their clients, city officials claim.
According to the city councillor responsible for the municipal police, Marco Carrai, "the number of prostitutes on the streets has dropped 70-80%, especially on the roads where the greatest number were previously found".
"Although this census is only approximate, I believe it is accurate because it is based on police reports and surveys among retail business operators in the area," he added.
"We are enforcing the new ordinance throughout the city because we do not want to create red light districts where prostitution is tolerated. In other words, we do not want them to just move to another location when their traditional one is being controlled," Carrai said.
The city councillor also said he had no intention to meet with any delegation from the prostitutes when they stage a protest march on Wednesday, which will end in front of city hall.
"No one from the city administration has any intention of meeting with them," Carrai said.
In response to a crackdown on their profession, prostitutes said on Friday they will offer "free service" to clients who have received the 50-euro fine.
An estimated 80% of the city streetwalkers are taking part in the initiative and wearing pink badges to let their clients know they will be 'reimbursed' if fined.
Prostitutes said Wednesday's protest march will not only be in support of their clients rights, but also to underscore the "social function" hookers play in society.
Mayor Flavio Zononato has justified imposing the fines on the grounds that "it is one of the primary duties of the administration to safeguard citizens who use the city's roads both day and night in red light areas".
Aside from cracking down on streetwalkers, Carrai has vowed to also combat prostitution practiced in apartments and said the city's campaign against prostitution was an example which should be followed by parliament on a national level.
