A precedent?

Italian takes legal action against speed traps and wins

Italy has more than 11,000 speed traps - more than any other European country.(Bild: Antonio Nardelli – stock.adobe.com)

Nowhere in Europe are there as many speed traps as in Italy - more than 11,000 - and they are also busy flashing speeding drivers. However, numerous penalties could now be lifted.

Recently, the Supreme Court in Rome upheld the appeal of a lawyer from Treviso who had been driving at 97 km/h instead of 90 km/h. According to the court, although most speed cameras have been approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure, they have not undergone the necessary detailed technical inspection by the government.

The judges are therefore likely to have set a precedent. The specific case concerned the "Red & Speed Evo L2" speed cameras, of which there are many on Italy's roads.

Italy's speed traps

Nowhere else in Europe are there as many speed traps as in Italy, more than 11,000. Some municipalities make good money with the "Autovelox", as they are called in Italian. The 20 largest cities in the country are said to have made more than 75 million euros in 2022, with Florence alone collecting more than 23 million.

Evidence photos are no longer sent out
Radar boxes are a recurring issue in the Italian courts. After many lawsuits for invasion of privacy, speed camera photos are no longer sent out with the penalty notices. The evidence remains with the authorities and is only handed over in the event of an appeal.

The reason for the complaints: other people were also visible in the photos who perhaps should not have been in the car - some marriages are said to have broken down as a result.