Italy Ends Rip-Off with Hidden Speed Cameras
Italy is putting an end to hidden speeding traps – drivers can hope for more fairness.
In 2024, Italian municipalities collected over 1.7 billion euros from speed controls for the first time – a new record, about ten percent more than the previous year. The leaders were Milan (€204 million), Rome (€145.8 million), and Florence (€61.6 million). Notably, even small municipalities like Carrodano (465 inhabitants) collected over €800,000, and Colle Santa Lucia nearly €671,000, each from a single speed camera location.
Criticism from Various Directions
Critics claimed that many devices were disguised or barely visible, often hidden in curves – which no longer served traffic safety but rather revenue increase. Particularly, foreign road users reported complaints; several lawsuits were filed, such as by a commuter who was supposed to pay nearly €28,000 within six months.
New Rules Aim to Create Transparency
From June 12, 2025, the following binding requirements for speed camera systems will apply:
- Tempolimits bis 50 km/h: feste Radarfallen sind verboten
- Mindestabstände: 1 km innerorts, 4 km außerorts zwischen festen Messstellen
- Mobile Blitzer: müssen angekündigt, gut sichtbar und technisch geprüft sein
- Getarnte oder unsichtbare Geräte sind untersagt
- Das Ministerium betont, dass es erstmals um Verkehrssicherheit gehe, nicht um Einnahmen.
Drivers Benefit, Municipalities React
The reform offers those affected clearer rules and better defense opportunities against dubious procedures. However, for municipalities, revenues are expected to decrease. The new regulation is a response to public pressure and increasing legal disputes.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.