Reckless Driver in Italy Hit with €28,000 Speed Camera Fine
- ~1 Min Read
Repeated Transgression Fined: Individual Locks Horns with Speed Camera on Multiple Occasions, faces a 28,000 Euro Penalty - Fine of €28,000 imposed - individual found to be traveling in the same vehicle
Andrea Ferretto, a supermarket worker hailing from Nizza Monferrato, Italy, has found himself €28,000 poorer due to his numerous encounters with a pesky speed camera on an Italian country road. For six months, unaware of the camera's existence, Ferretto cruised past it on his way to and from work. The speed limit at the spot clocked in at 70 km/h.
Caught off guard by the sudden accumulation of fines, Ferretto now hopes the authorities will show some leniency. He explained to the daily newspaper "La Stampa" that he didn't notice the speed camera because it was hidden behind a three-meter high hedge, situated behind a curve.
Speedy Specter Across Europe
Italy boasts Europe's largest number of speed cameras, with over 11,000 installed. By comparison, Germany has just shy of 4,700. In sparsely populated areas, the standard speed limit is 90 km/h, 110 km/h on highways, and 130 km/h on motorways. The EU's vigorous enforcement in these areas is well-known to German tourists, who may find themselves receiving fines in their mailboxes from the Italian authorities.
Ferretto claims he was only a few kilometers over the speed limit each time. After several months, he initially received regular fines, but later was hit with a whopping demand for €28,000. With a monthly salary of €1,100, he'll need to work almost two years to pay off the fine.
Italian Authority's Iron Fist
Despite admitting to speeding, Ferretto insists the speed camera only serves to generate revenue, not to ensure road safety—a concern shared by many who have come into contact with the system. So far, his efforts to negotiate with the authorities have proven futile.
Comparison with the Rest of Europe
Many other EU countries, such as France, Germany, and Spain, also use automated speed cameras and strict enforcement. However, Italy's use of restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) and prompt cross-border fines make it the most notorious destination for unwitting traffic offenders.
The Price of a Quick Drive
For tourists and foreigners navigating Italy's roads, it's essential to familiarize oneself with local rules, particularly ZTLs and no-waiting areas, as fines for even minor infractions can quickly add up to substantial sums. If you're caught, failure to pay can result in escalating fines or even legal action.
Fortunately, drivers have the right to contest fines, especially if they believe the notification was issued outside the legal time limit, or if there is evidence they were not the driver at the time of the alleged offense. As the EU moves toward more automated and harmonized enforcement, cross-border complications should become a thing of the past.
But for now, drivers traversing the beautiful landscapes of Italy should remember: vigilance is key to avoiding unwanted fines.
- The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive concerning the regulation of speed camera fines across different industries, including transportation and finance, in light of the general news about Andrea Ferretto's €28,000 fine in Italy.
- As the debate on the role of speed cameras in revenue generation versus road safety continues, businesses such as the auto industry and tourism may face implications, given the increasing usage of hidden speed cameras in Europe, particularly in countries like Italy.
- Crime-and-justice issues could potentially arise due to the significant fines accumulated by foreign drivers in Italy, especially cases where drivers find it difficult to contest the fines or pay them on time, leading to escalating fines or even legal action.
