Caught Red-Handed: Italian Man Faces Hefty Speeding Fines Totaling €28,000
Individual Faced with a 28,000 Euro Penalty in Italy for Blitzercase
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An Italian resident, Andrea Ferretto, hailing from Nizza Monferrato, Piemont, finds himself in a predicament after allegedly committing a staggering 100 speeding violations at a single location over a six-month period. This has left him with a whopping €28,000 in fines, and he's now battling to relocate the speed camera.
Ferretto works as a security guard in Tortona and regularly commutes between his home and the workplace. The offending speed camera, situated in Bazzana di Mombaruzzo, seems to be remarkably efficient according to Ferretto. "I passed it twice a day for six months, morning and evening," he said, speaking to IlNazionale. "The camera is practically in a bend and is hidden behind a three-meter-high hedge."
Ferretto expresses doubts about the legality of the fines, citing a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation. According to this, speed cameras must be announced in advance and clearly visible. However, the camera was not only concealed behind a hedge but also improperly registered.
"I can understand getting a few fines in six months - I make mistakes too," admits the 40-year-old. "But they can't tell me that I was flashed every day and got 100 fines in six months."
Time's Up for Appeals
The infractions date back to 2021, with fines being issued between 2022 and 2023. With Ferretto often away for work, he frequently found the notifications late in his mailbox. Initially, he set some aside - until the provincial administration sent him a document detailing all the offenses and the total amount.
His lawyer was unable to assist him as it's now too late for appeals, and the documents were correctly filed. For Ferretto, who earns €1,100 a month, the sum is potentially life-altering. Last Friday, he faced a threat of vehicle seizure for his sole car and motorbike.
"Now we have to see how we can start paying," says Ferretto defiantly. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast, demanding that the contentious camera be moved to a more visible location. "My objective is to warn others. I don't want others to experience the same predicament as me."
- Italy
- Speeding Fines
Insights: In Italy, contesting a speeding fine can be complex, but there are specific grounds for appeal. Recent rules have illuminated that speed cameras should only activate if a vehicle is traveling at least 50 kilometers over the posted speed limit in most areas, and there should be a warning sign at least one kilometer before the camera1. If the speed camera is not properly registered or not clearly visible, you may have a basis for appealing the fine. However, any appeal must be formal and in Italian, typically filed with the Prefect or the Justice of Peace1.
To successfully challenge a speeding fine on these grounds, you would need to prove that the camera was not properly registered or that the required warning sign was not present. It is advisable to consult a lawyer licensed in Italy for legal advice on how to proceed with contesting the fine2. Additionally, documentation or evidence supporting your claim would be critical in building a robust case.
In light of Andrea Ferretto's predicament, it is essential for community members to familiarize themselves with the community policy regarding the placement and visibility of speed cameras. Vocational training in legal procedures and appeals could be beneficial, as Ferretto found himself unable to contest the fines due to the lapsed time for appeals. Moreover, vocational training in sports could provide an alternative means for Ferretto to earn a living if the fines were to prove unaffordable, posing a potential life-altering impact.
