Illegal speed cameras dismantled across Italy, drivers' fines scrapped
Italy holds the European record for the number of speed cameras operating on its roads. However, some of these do not meet Italian law's requirements. These devices are being dismantled, and drivers can expect their tickets to be canceled.
2:57 PM EDT, July 31, 2024
In Poland, the network of speed cameras and other devices for detecting driver violations consists of just over 500 devices. In Italy, the number of speed cameras alone exceeds 11,000. However, it was found that some of them are operating in violation of regulations. According to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), the issue came to light in Calabria. The court determined that the speed cameras were provided to municipalities by private companies on a rental basis. However, the devices did not have the required certification and did not meet metrological standards, ensuring a reasonably fair measurement of speed.
This was not an isolated incident. Speed cameras in 10 regions of Italy—from Sicily in the south to Venice in the north—were found to be operating illegally. According to PAP, these speed cameras were set up in Piemonte, Apulia, Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, and Basilicata in many cities and towns, including Venice, Vicenza, Modena, and Reggio Emilia. They make up a significant portion of all 11,000 speed cameras in Italy.
As a result of the court's verdict, speed cameras that do not meet legal requirements are now being dismantled. The consequences will be significant. For many Italian municipalities, revenues from speed cameras constituted a substantial part of their budget. Now, that stream of money has dried up. Moreover, drivers fined for faulty speed cameras can seek reimbursement for paid tickets.
How much money is at stake? Italian media provide the example of the town of Cerignola in Apulia, where, based on readings from four such devices, tickets totaling about 1 million euros ($1,054,000) were issued.
