BOLZANO. Every year twelve thousand fines for running a red light. The cameras that monitor intersections and automatically trigger fines have increased from 10 to 15 in recent months. The “hard” line of the Municipality, adopted after some serious incidents, all with the same dynamics, is lightened from today. Mayor Caramaschi and the municipal council have approved a document which provides for increasing the duration of the time between the orange and red traffic lights, bringing it from 4 to 5 seconds. More time, therefore, to decide whether to cross the stop line or wait prudently for the next green light. A decision, that of the Municipality, probably also driven by dozens of complaints from citizens who, for a fraction of a second, found themselves paying considerable amounts (in addition to 6 points deducted from their driving license).
It must also be said that appeals won by motorists are very rare. «The citizen protests, but when he goes to the police headquarters to view the video he leaves in silence. In Piazza Verdi, where 20% of the sanctions are triggered, we see almost no complaints because the videos speak for themselves”, specifies councilor Stefano Fattor. The police examine all the videos and discard those in which the sanction is doubtful or not completely ascertained.
When you change
The new reprogramming of traffic lights is already active in the five equipped with cameras in 2024, including Piazza Verdi, Viale Trieste and the industrial area. While the older systems, installed from January 2020 to the end of 2023, will be repaired at the beginning of the new year: «The engineers will fix them as soon as the Christmas market is removed – adds the city councilor Claudio Della Ratta (Civic for Bolzano ) - so as not to create further traffic problems. I believe it is an important intervention, which I have been carrying out for some time, precisely with a view to reducing the number of sanctions”.
It’s true, one second might not make a difference, but two will. In fact, the Italian highway code provides that the orange light does not last more than three seconds. In Bolzano they become five. «Perhaps mine will be a voice out of the chorus – continues Fattor – but I don’t think it will have a decisive effect on violations. As is happening with speed cameras (they are all stopped, ed.). I would propose to follow the example of Germany and Austria, providing the orange traffic light before the green one, and not just close to the red one.”
The map
Most of the drivers who complained about the fines, as well as in Piazza Verdi, pointed the finger at the intersection between Viale Druso and Via Positano, where this year fines and reductions have rained down in a barrage, coming exclusively from that traffic light. Which will be punctually adjusted to the five seconds.
The next interventions will be carried out here (at the latest in January): intersection via Galilei via Lancia; via Claudia Augusta in front of the Tambosi schools; intersection via Roma via Druso; intersection via Resia, via Milano, via Mozart; crossroads Corso Libertà Piazza Mazzini; intersection Piazza Verdi via Marconi; intersection via Carducci via Marconi; intersection via Druso via Firenze via S.Quirino.
Il “countdown”
Another proposal is pending, waiting for it to be discussed in the Mobility Commission. It concerns the possibility of introducing a green “countdown”, as already happens in some pedestrian traffic lights. «In this way the driver would know exactly when the green light ends and the orange turns on. At the same time, the technicians fear that by doing so some motorists will accelerate excessively, rather than slow down”, specifies Della Ratta.
– What are the recent changes in traffic light regulations in Bolzano and their impact on road safety?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Traffic Safety Expert
Editor: Good day, everyone, and welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we have a fascinating topic that concerns many drivers and residents in Bolzano: traffic light regulations and the recent changes to timing at red lights. With us is Dr. Laura Montini, a traffic safety expert with over a decade of experience in urban planning. Welcome, Dr. Montini!
Dr. Montini: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Bolzano Municipality recently increased the duration between the orange and red lights from 4 to 5 seconds. What impact do you think this change will have on traffic safety and driver behavior?
Dr. Montini: This extra second may seem small, but it can greatly influence how drivers react at intersections. The longer duration gives them more time to make a safer decision—whether to stop or proceed through the intersection. This change is particularly timely given the complaints from citizens about unfair fines, which can be intimidating and frustrating for drivers.
Editor: Speaking of fines, the article mentioned that there are around 12,000 fines issued annually for running red lights in Bolzano. That’s a staggering number. Why do you think the fines are so prevalent, especially considering that nearly 20% of these fines occur at just one intersection?
Dr. Montini: Yes, that is indeed high. The installation of traffic cameras has made enforcement more rigorous, and many drivers may be unaware of how closely monitored these intersections are. The fact that a lot of fines are concentrated in a few locations like Piazza Verdi suggests that these intersections might be particularly problematic. Road design, visibility, and the timing of the lights all play a crucial role here.
Editor: You mentioned road design. Given that some accused fines are contested but often go unchallenged, what steps can municipalities take to ensure that traffic regulations are fair and transparent?
Dr. Montini: Transparency is key. Municipalities should provide clear signage and visual warnings about the presence of cameras. Additionally, it can be beneficial to implement a grace period for new traffic light timing changes where warnings are issued instead of fines. Also, ensuring that motorists have access to the footage recorded can provide them reassurance and transparency in the system.
Editor: Interesting perspective. You also noted in the article that appeals won by motorists are extremely rare, which might discourage them from challenging a fine. What does this say about the enforcement system in Bolzano?
Dr. Montini: It raises important questions about fairness and the balance between safety and enforcement. If citizens feel that the enforcement measures are a money-making scheme rather than a genuine safety initiative, it could lead to distrust in the system. It’s vital for city officials to communicate the purpose of these measures effectively. They should emphasize that the goal is ultimately to enhance public safety, not just to levy fines.
Editor: Right. So if extending the orange light duration doesn’t significantly impact violations as Councilor Fattor suggested, what other measures could be considered to tackle the issue of running red lights?
Dr. Montini: There are several options. One proposal could involve adapting the traffic light sequence altogether, as Fattor mentioned—implementing an advance orange light before the green. Another approach is better pedestrian and cyclist visibility, creating a more integrated traffic system that prioritizes safe interactions among vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Editor: That’s a holistic way to look at traffic management. Lastly, with the approaching Christmas market and repairs to the older camera systems planned for the new year, what advice would you give to local drivers as these changes are implemented?
Dr. Montini: Patience and caution are key. With the changes to traffic light timings and potential roadwork, drivers should expect some temporary disruptions. It’s also a good time to be more vigilant and aware of traffic signals. Practicing patience will not only help avoid fines but also contribute to overall road safety.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Montini, for your valuable insights today. It’s clear that while enforcing traffic laws is crucial for safety, there must also be a focus on fair implementation and communication with the public.
Dr. Montini: Thank you for having me! I’m hopeful that these changes in Bolzano can serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar issues.
Editor: That’s all for today’s interview. Thank you to our viewers for joining us, and stay safe on the roads!