Good news for drivers crossing into Italy from France as radar rules changed
Radars must be focused on preventing accidents and not generating revenue
Cameras now need to be in full view for drivers
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Drivers heading to Italy will see recent rule changes meaning speed cameras there must be more clearly indicated and spread out.
It is part of a wider plan to improve road safety as Italy looks to focus on the ability of radars to reduce road accidents rather than generate revenue.
Italy has the largest number of speed cameras amongst all EU countries – and more than the UK – reportedly generating over €1.5 billion in revenue in 2024.
This is around €750 million more than from French speed cameras in 2023, where there are fewer than half the number of Italy.
Radars must be clearly indicated
However, the government drafted legislation last year that would reform speed camera location and objectives, largely by making their placement more known to drivers. It was recently passed by MPs and is now in force.
Now all speed cameras in the country must be placed in locations that are easy to view for drivers, and where they are more likely to stop accidents as opposed to places where they may generate more revenue.
In practice, this means they can no longer be partially hidden behind hedges, trees, etc and must instead be placed in full view at the side of roads.
In addition, the presence of an upcoming speed camera must be signposted on the road, 1km ahead of its location.
Finally, cameras will need to be more widely spaced out, being at least 1km apart in urban areas and 4km apart in rural zones. Radars cannot be located within 500 metres of the entrance/exit to a built up area.
The changes are aimed at refocusing speed cameras to reduce accidents by keeping speeds consistently low.
The changes apply to radars throughout the country, including areas near the French border along the Alps and Mediterranean coastlines.
In France officials have recently increased the number of unmarked radar cars in force, as well as authorised the use of AI road cameras that can help identify more offences including drivers not wearing a seatbelt.
