A speed camera said to have clocked up EUR 1 million in fines in just weeks has mysteriously been blown up in northern Italy.
The camera infuriated motorists in the town of Cadoneghe, Padua Province, caught breaking the town’s 50 kph (31 mph) speed limit.
Locals living by the road had called for the camera complaining that drivers routinely broke the limit all the time.
But after it racked up 24,000 offenders in just over a month police were faced with angry protests to have it taken down.
The device went into operation on 26th June and Cadoneghe Council reportedly raked in EUR one million (GBP 865,000) in fines.
Locals called the police after hearing an explosion on 9th August.
The police found gunpower amid the ruins of the critically damaged camera, report local media.
Cadoneghe Mayor Marco Schiesaro condemned the blast saying: “This was a shameful act.”
He warned: “They don’t make me let my guard down even a millimetre. The speed camera will be replaced and we will move on.
“I hope the video surveillance footage will help identify the bomber.”
The mayor added: “I have full faith in the police and I hope that the perpetrator or perpetrators will be brought to justice as soon as possible.”
The camera had caused bitter local rifts.
An elderly man – identified only as Mr Giovanni – who drives to see his doctor on a regular basis ran up 38 speeding tickets, say local media.
Giannantonio Sottile – head of a consumer protection agency – explained: “It is an elderly gentleman who uses the car to go to the doctor.
“We are talking about a sum of EUR 10,000 (GBP 8,650) and points removed from the driving licence.
“We are protecting this family and will appeal as soon as possible.”
The local police authority and the federal military police are investigating.
