«In Sardinia, a real revolution could be triggered in traffic fines: the Municipalities will have to remove non-approved speed cameras, under penalty of invalidity of the sanctions and a shower of appeals by motorists».
This was stated by Adiconsum Sardegna, following the issuing of a new decree by the Ministry of Transport that imposes more stringent rules on speed detection devices.
"The issue of traffic fines is a very sensitive one in our region," explains Giorgio Vargiu, president of Adiconsum Sardegna. "Many municipal administrations use speed cameras as a tool to make money, rather than to guarantee road safety."
According to Siope data reworked by the association, in 2024 Sardinian local authorities collected 21.6 million euros in fines, with an increase of 4% compared to 2022. Much of this revenue comes from speed cameras, often positioned on the busiest roads during the tourist season.
Now, however, the rules are changing . The ministerial decree establishes that only speed cameras approved after June 2017 are considered regular. All previous devices will have to obtain a specific approval in order to continue to be used.
In the meantime, the Municipalities will be obliged to deactivate them, under penalty of invalidity of the fines issued through these instruments. Adiconsum warns the Municipalities: «Ignoring the new legislation could have serious consequences. Speeding is a serious problem that causes hundreds of deaths and injuries every year, but the fight against illegality on the roads must take place in compliance with the law – underlines Vargiu –. If the Municipalities do not adapt, they risk having to face an avalanche of appeals and huge financial damages».
(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)