After months of silence, the Ministry of the Interior has finally addressed the issue of speed cameras with clarity, although the situation remains complex.
Through a circular sent to the prefectures and published by Anci, the governing body has shed light on the controversial interpretation of the terms ancient “homologation” and “approval” of fixed speed control devices.
This situation was triggered by two rulings from the Court of Cassation, which clarified that type-approval and certification are distinct and both necessary procedures. However, in Italy, there are no definitive criteria for the certification of speed cameras; for example, those used by the traffic police are simply approved, not type-approved.
Regulatory and Legal Context
Despite the decisions of the Court of Cassation, the government and Parliament have not yet provided for a resolution to the problem. Neither Matteo Salvini's decree regulating speed cameras nor the reform of the Highway Code have provided clear answers.
The recent circular from the Ministry of the Interior, while providing an opinion from the State Attorney General, highlights the substantial consistency between the technical-administrative procedures for approval and certification, offering municipalities guidance on how to oppose appeals.
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Divergent Reactions Among Municipalities and Major Investigations
The impact of the circular has prompted mixed reactions among mayors: some municipalities will continue to operate speed cameras, while others have turned them off or reactivated them without clear direction. This tool, useful for preventing accidents, also represents a source of revenue for municipalities.
In the meantime, several Italian prosecutors have launched investigations into the issue. The prosecutor's office in Padua has opened a case for ideological forgery concerning municipalities that have installed "approved" but not "homologated" speed cameras. In addition, the prosecutor's office in Cosenza has seized speed cameras in various cities across the country.
The Need for Regulatory Clarity
Mayors express concerns about the lack of regulatory clarity. Camillo De Pellegrin, mayor of Val di Zoldo, criticizes the ministry's circular, judging it late and not conclusive. Renzo Martelloni, mayor of Licciana Nardi, maintains that his municipality complies with current regulations.
Despite the authorities' proposed measures, many mayors are turning to the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) to urge prompt legislative action to resolve the dispute. Carlo Rapicavoli, director of the Veneto branch of ANCI, states that a legislative change is desirable to definitively resolve the issue.
On the other side, Altvelox denounces the circular as "water cooler," arguing that it merely serves as a cover to shield illicit profits from fines. The association's president, Gianantonio Sottile, highlights how numerous municipalities have already been reported for failing to comply with speed camera regulations and announces further legal action. The issue of speed camera approval, therefore, remains open and likely to spark heated public and legal debate.
Comments (1)
It is interesting how the Ministry of the Interior has finally addressed the issue of speed cameras, but it is still not clear what the differences are between homologation and approval. There are many ambiguities that remain unanswered.