Italian Driver Accumulates EUR28,000 in Fines at Single Speed Camera

An Italian motorist has garnered a staggering EUR28,000 in fines from a single speed camera on a rural road in Northern Italy. Andrea Ferretto, a supermarket employee from Nizza Monferrato, repeatedly triggered the speed trap over a span of six months, reportedly without realizing it.

According to local reports, Ferretto was caught speeding past the camera, which is positioned behind a curve and obscured by a tall hedge, during his daily commute to and from work. He had been temporarily employed by a security firm at the supermarket at the time.

Italy is known for its extensive use of speed cameras, boasting over 11,000 devices nationwide--far more than any other European country, compared to approximately 4,700 in Germany. The standard speed limits are generally set at 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, and 130 km/h on highways, with strict enforcement measures in place.

Despite his claims of only exceeding the speed limit by a few kilometers, the fines began arriving months later, initially at standard rates. It was only after accumulating numerous violations that Ferretto received the final penalty amounting to EUR28,000. Now, he faces the daunting prospect of repaying this sum, equivalent to almost two years of his salary, which is approximately EUR1,100 per month.

In light of the overwhelming financial burden, Ferretto is seeking legal counsel in hopes of negotiating a reduction in the fines. He expressed concerns about the speed camera's true purpose, suggesting that it serves more as a revenue-generating tool for authorities rather than a genuine measure for enhancing road safety.

He has chosen not to contest the fines legally, acknowledging his speed but criticizing the system itself. Ferretto believes that the placement of the speed camera does not prioritize public safety, and so far, he has encountered resistance when appealing to the authorities.

This incident underlines the ongoing debate surrounding speed enforcement measures in Italy, where the balance between road safety and revenue generation continues to be questioned.