In a vote of 163 in favor and 107 against, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill and related proposals for interventions in road safety and delegated powers to the government for the revision of the highway code. Those in favor included FDI, Lega, and Forza Italia, while those opposed included Pd, M5s, Avs, and Azione. The bill, which will now be voted on in the Senate, includes measures such as stricter penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, suspension of licenses for serious offenses like driving the wrong way, and increased fines for using smartphones or other devices while driving. It also imposes harsh penalties for abandoning animals on the road.
The bill also introduces administrative measures such as the establishment of a register of telematics agencies that provide automotive consultancy services at the Ministry of Infrastructure, increased restrictions on new drivers, and an extension of the ban on driving certain categories of vehicles in relation to their power. Significant changes include penalties for using smartphones while driving, with license suspension and fines, as well as the use of remote monitoring for issuing fines for various offenses such as not giving way to pedestrians or parking in unauthorized spots. Additionally, penalties for speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs have been increased, with the introduction of mandatory car breathalyzers for repeat offenders.
The bill also introduces new regulations for cyclists, such as requiring motorists to maintain a safe distance when passing a cyclist. However, monopattino owners will now be required to have a license plate, helmet, and insurance, with fines for those without the necessary documents. The bill also includes provisions for increased controls in restricted traffic zones, rules for level crossings, stricter regulations for illegal parking, and measures against speed cameras placed strategically for revenue generation. An innovative feature of the bill concerning speed cameras includes a provision that only the most severe violation within the same hour on the same road segment will be penalized, rather than cumulative sanctions.
The bill also includes measures aimed at young drivers, such as increasing the ban on driving high-performance cars for new license holders from one to three years and preventing minors found driving under the influence from obtaining a license until the age of 24. There will also be an education program on road safety for young people, with a bonus of two points for students attending safety courses at school. Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini expressed satisfaction with the approval of the new highway code, highlighting the increased control and safety measures, tougher penalties for violations, and education programs for young drivers.
However, opposition parties have criticized the bill, arguing that it focuses on punitive measures rather than addressing the root causes of road accidents, such as speeding and distracted driving. They also raised concerns about the increased power of the central government at the expense of local authorities, the impact on cyclists and micro-mobility users, and the potential negative effects on road safety. Despite the criticism, the bill has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will now move to the Senate for further consideration before potentially being implemented before the summer.
