Police forces in the northern Italian city of Rovigo reported a 42-year-old metal worker. He is suspected of vandalizing at least five of eight speed cameras damaged in Rovigo province in 2023.
The tools he is said to have used in the destruction were confiscated from the man's home from the province of Padua. The metal worker was identified through evaluation of video surveillance cameras. He cut the radar traps' support column with a cutting disc. Therefore, the media dubbed the vandal “Flexeman.” He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of 5,000 euros for vandalism and damage.
Many speed traps have been illegally “deactivated.”
In recent months, several speed traps have been illegally “disabled” in northern Italy. A cult grew up around the unknown man. He has been hailed on social networks as the “Robin Hood of drivers”. A total of 24 machines have been destroyed so far, including in Lombardy and Trentino. More than six prosecutors are working on these cases. It remains unclear whether this was the work of an individual or an organized group.
The acts of sabotage sparked controversy over the number of radars deployed. Because Italy is the country with the largest number of speed cameras in Europe: there are 11,130 nationwide. Consumer protection associations complain that municipalities set speed traps in order to use fines to replenish their empty coffers. Recently, there have been frequent protests against speed cameras.
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