by InTrieste
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Traffic Police released its annual report on road safety enforcement for 2024, highlighting increased patrols, targeted inspections, and legislative changes aimed at improving traffic conditions across the region.
Over the past year, authorities deployed 11,828 patrols to monitor regional roads and highways, checking nearly 57,000 individuals and issuing more than 33,000 fines. Speeding remained a major concern, with 5,293 violations recorded. Officials revoked 952 driver’s licenses and 686 vehicle registrations, while a total of 58,109 demerit points were deducted.
Enforcement efforts also focused on impaired driving. Of the 10,720 drivers tested, 208 were fined for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 28 were cited for drug-impaired driving.
Heavy Vehicle Inspections and Criminal Investigations
Authorities conducted 119 targeted operations to inspect freight and passenger transport vehicles, checking 583 heavy vehicles and issuing 381 violations. Common infractions included overloading, tampering with tachographs, and violations of driver rest-time regulations.
The Traffic Police also pursued criminal investigations, referring 503 individuals to judicial authorities. Thirteen were arrested, and a significant drug seizure took place in October, when officers confiscated 69 kilograms of hashish on the A4 highway.
Legislative Changes and Road Safety Education
In December, Italy introduced new traffic regulations under Law No. 177, which revised several aspects of the Highway Code. The reforms include updates to infrastructure, road signage, vehicle standards, and driver behavior rules. The legal blood alcohol limit remains unchanged, but the law now mandates the use of alcohol-lock devices in certain cases.
Alongside enforcement efforts, authorities emphasized education and awareness, reaching more than 3,000 students through school visits and public campaigns. Programs such as the ICARO Project and United for Road Safety aimed to instill safer driving habits among young people.
Preliminary data suggest a decline in road accidents and fatalities across the region. Officials say that while challenges remain, road safety has become a more prominent issue among residents.
