Ok from the council of ministers to the new highway code. Consumers are not convinced.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini has concluded "the long process" of developing the new Highway Code, - explains the MIT - which arrives today in the Council of Ministers after an extensive discussion with sector associations, technicians and companies.
In a general framework of reduction of sanctions, which must have "a deterrent and non-vexatious function", the text provides, at the same time, for a tightening of measures against the most dangerous behaviours, with the aim of increasing the safety of all road users.
Among the new features, "the indefinite driving ban for those traveling without insurance", the general tightening of sanctions for those who drive buses or vehicles used for the transport of schoolchildren or students without the necessary requirements, the recovery of sums not paid by foreign users and "the obligation to have insurance according to Italian rules for foreigners traveling in Italy for more than 30 days", explains the ministry.
The provision also aims to simplify the procedures relating to the Unified European Disabled Badge (CUDE): all Municipalities will be required to join the national platform, to guarantee recognition of the badge throughout the Italian territory.
"Great attention" also to motorcyclists: in addition to the program for the installation of road barriers to protect motorcyclists, the possibility of using the emergency lane on the motorway in the event of accidents or slowdowns is contemplated, concludes the MIT.
The new Highway Code, approved by the Council of Ministers - explains the MIT again after approval - provides for "a general reduction in fines" and, at the same time, a decisive contrast, "desired by Minister Salvini", to the behaviors that most jeopardize the safety of all road users.
The rationalization of the sanctions, in addition to the suspension of the automatic biennial adjustment to inflation, sees a "downward rounding" of the amounts compared to current legislation: the most common statutory minimums of 26 and 42 euros fall to 25 and 40 euros respectively, while the sanctions of 83 and 87 euros are reduced to 80 euros.
Reducing or increasing the amounts of fines does not improve road safety in our cities, and the measures envisaged in the new Highway Code do not seem to go in the right direction. Codacons states this, commenting on the arrival of the decree in the Council of Ministers.
The general reduction in the amounts of road fines certainly will not push motorists to pay more attention to the rules, but more generally the new provisions of the Highway Code "appear more like smoke and mirrors than as real interventions in favor of users" of the roads and safety - explains Codacons - The truth is that in the absence of controls in the area any new provision remains on paper and does not produce any concrete effect: just think of the experience of scooters, with the rules on helmets, traffic bans, ban on carrying passengers, speed limits, constantly violated in our country.
What is really needed is not to change the rules of the Highway Code, but to obtain compliance with those that already exist, providing for widespread checks against violators and fighting against the road Wild West that characterizes our cities - concludes Codacons.
