A Hundred-fold Fine: An Italian Man Battles €28,000 in Speeding Fines
Individual faces a 28,000 euro penalty in Italy for using the blitzer
Adopting a chill, conversational tone and incorporating relevant insights from the enrichment section, let's delve into the tale of Andrea Ferretto, a man from Nizza Monferrato, Piemont, Italy, who found himself in a whirlwind of 100 speeding offenses at the same elusive spot in just six months.
Andrea Ferretto, a security guard in Tortona, journeys daily between his home and work, an unassuming crossing in Bazzana di Mombaruzzo that has recently become his arch-nemesis. The culprit? A cunningly placed speed camera hidden behind a three-meter-tall hedge, virtually disappearing from view.
Curious about the accuracy of these fines, Ferretto voiced his doubts and referred to a judgment by Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation. The ruling stated that speed cameras must be clearly indicated in advance and visible. Unfortunately, the speed camera in question was neither publicly announced nor easily noticeable due to its camouflage and improper licensing.
"I'd accept a few fines in six months, even I'm prone to errors,” confessed the 40-year-old. “But they can't tell me I was flashed every day and raked in 100 fines in six months."
The offenses, dating back to 2021, resulted in fines compiled between 2022 and 2023. With Ferretto frequently on work-related travel, the notifications were often discovered much later in his mailbox. Initially setting some fines aside, he found himself overwhelmed when the provincial administration sent him a document with every offense and the grand total one day.
His lawyer, to his disappointment, was of little help. Owing to the formal correctness of the documents and the lapsed time, there were no viable legal avenues for objection. Faced with this existential financial burden, Ferretto was even threatened with the seizure of his singular vehicle and motorbike last Friday.
"We're mulling over how to start making payments," Ferretto sighed. Undeterred, he still aims to remove the questionable speed camera and relocate it to a more visible spot. "I want to warn others. I don't wish for others to suffer as I have."
- Italian Law
- Speeding Fines
Navigating Speeding Fines in Italy
In light of Ferretto's predicament, let's examine the steps a person in his shoes could consider:
- Time Limit: Upon receiving a fine, you have 60 days to lodge an objection.
- Appeal Options: You may appeal to the Prefect (free) or the Justice of Peace (paid, with representation).
- Grounds for Appeal: Lack of proper licensing or visibility, errors in the notice, or being out of the country at the time of the offense are possible reasons to contest the fine.
- Legal Assistance: Consulting an Italian lawyer is advisable for navigating the legal process and drafting an effective appeal.
- Documentation: Gather all essential documents, including proof of your whereabouts or evidence about the camera's status.
[1] https://www.law.cornell.edu/materials/subjects/traffic-safety-laws.html[2] https://www.italymove.com/law-abiding-Italians-speeding-fines-italy/[3] https://www.thelocal.it/20180413/your-rights-in-italy-speeding-fines
Engaging with Andrea Ferretto's situation, it's clear that understanding community policy on speeding fines is crucial. The policy mandates that speed cameras must be clearly visible and properly licensed, as pointed out by Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation. With this knowledge, individuals like Ferretto can launch an appeal if they suspect inaccuracies in their fines, adhering to the community policy guidelines. Meanwhile, exploring vocational training opportunities in the field of law could prove beneficial for those seeking to navigate the complex legal system involving speeding finances in Italy.
