Pisa ZTL Driving Offence

[conaero]

I got home last night to be welcomed by a singed for document from Italy, informing me that when in Tuscany in March this year, I unknowingly drove in a restricted ZTL zone.

They are now demanding €140 which will rise to €200 in 60 days if not paid.

So, I hop on to Google, find that the District of Pisa issue about half a million of these such notices each year to foreigners via the hire car companies.

So, if I dont pay it, what can the Italian courts do?

I spoke to the highways agency and DVLA and they told me to pay it, but they can not advise as to Italian Law and what they can and cant enforce.

Ok, its not like I am going to get extradited for a parking offence, but do we have any lawyers on here that can advice me or members who have been through the same thing.

The frustrating thing is that if I was a resident, I can enter these zones, but because I am a tourist, bringing money to their city, I am in breach, nice!

Oh, one more thing, I am planning on driving into Italy next spring on the factory tour (dont think I will need to show my passport) , and also might fly there in the next 2 years (where I will have to show my passport). Will I get stopped at passport if I have not paid?

 

[Woody]

Frustrating though it is, I'd just chuff up for it and not risk it. I'm a jessie like that, but if you're there enjoying a dirving tour and get a tug/car impounded (extreme case) or if youre arriving with the wife and two tired kids on a hot sunny day, the last thing you want is to be pulled asside and interrogated. For the cash, I'm retty sure you'd wish you'd paid!

having said that....I got fined in Latvia for speeding a few years back. When I went to the bank to pay it, I was aked "why are you paying this? I got fined in the UK and have never paid it" haha....

 

[cobratwin]

It's pretty much hit and miss if you don't pay it they can't do bugger all in the uk really, it would cost them a fortune to try. But if you don't pay it and get pulled in Italy they can walk you to the bank and get the cash or impound/arrest you and or your car until, you pay etc.

Not a lawyer but have spent enough time in the eu to know how most things like this work.

 

[TridentTested]

I suspect they can do nothing. The eFlow toll road in Dublin, controlled by cameras like the London Congestion Charge zone, have sent me threatening letters, or to put it more accurately: their UK based private collections agency have sent me threatening letters dressed up to look like they've originated from eFlow. eFlow obviously sub-contract overseas enforcement.

I've ignored them all and they seem to have gone away.

I would counsel doing the same. I can't imagine there would be any connection with your passport.

 

[Felonious Crud]

I'd be inclined to pay, Matt. You never know when it might catch up, even with Italian efficiency. I picked up a misdemeanor in California a couple of years back which I paid because I'd rather not get picked up at immigration, denied a hire car or chucked in the cells if I get pulled over again. Close running as it was... They wanted to sling me in jail there and then rather than issue a summons!

/Adam

 

[Andyk]

Matt, I'm sure this has happened to someone on here before..If not here then MF....It's a hard one.....Worth a search on net to see if anyone has got away with it before.

 

[BennyD]

I'd tell them to ram it and dont forget to remind them who won the war.

 

[conaero]

I'd tell them to ram it and dont forget to remind them who won the war.

That is my inner feeling Ian.

 

[Andyk]

I'd tell them to ram it and dont forget to remind them who won the war.

As always great diplomatic advice Ian...Keep it coming

 

[BennyD]

I'm glad you noticed the diplomacy Andy. Personally, I would tell them to f*ck off and ram it.

 

[Andyk]