Italian authorities close in on 'Fleximan' - a self-proclaimed vigilante targeting speed cameras

Italy is currently facing a vigilante known as "Fleximan" who has made it his mission to destroy as many speed cameras as possible. So far, Fleximan has successfully taken down at least 15 speed cameras, leading to an investigation by a special police task force and four different prosecutors' offices. The anonymous vandal began his destructive campaign several months ago in the north-eastern part of the country, targeting the increasing number of speed cameras. Photos of his actions have been shared on social media, earning him the nickname "Fleximan" derived from the Italian word for angle grinder, "flessibile," which is the tool he mainly uses to destroy the cameras. While this campaign may reflect the public's frustration with the proliferation of speed cameras, it's important to note that road deaths in Italy are higher compared to many other European countries. It remains unclear whether Fleximan is an individual or a group of copycats. Although authorities in the north-west Piedmont region have charged a 50-year-old suspect, most of the attacks have occurred in the Veneto area in the north-east. Fleximan's methods of attack are consistent, and he has garnered a growing chorus of supporters on social media who view him as a modern Robin Hood. In fact, a street artist in Padua named Evyrein has even dedicated his latest graffiti artwork to Fleximan, depicting Uma Thurman's character from Kill Bill holding a sword in one hand and a cut-up speed camera in the other. Italy is known for having the highest number of speed cameras in Europe, estimated to be over 11,000, which is one-third more than the UK and almost three times more than Germany. This could explain some of the anger directed at the Italian speed detectors, leading local mayors to declare that they won't immediately replace the vandalized cameras in order to ease tensions. Fines for speeding violations have significantly increased in recent years, with cities like Florence earning millions of euros from these penalties. However, Italy's road safety record is less than impressive. According to the European Transport Safety Council, Italy had 54 deaths per million inhabitants in 2022, nearly twice as high as the UK and Spain. The article also highlights the personal tragedy of Paola Di Caro, a political journalist, whose 18-year-old son was killed by a speeding driver in Rome. She disagrees with Fleximan's actions and believes he is just making a mockery of her son's death. The discussion surrounding speed cameras has also entered Italian politics, with nationalist League leader Matteo Salvini seizing the opportunity to gain support ahead of regional and European parliamentary elections. Salvini has targeted the mayor of Bologna for implementing a new 30km/h (18mph) speed limit throughout the city. This speed reduction has sparked a drivers' protest and an ongoing campaign for a referendum on the issue. Some individuals, like Guendalina Furini, a 22-year-old student who started the petition, argue that a 30km/h limit is too low and doesn't address the real issue of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Furini wants her voice to be heard and believes that issues like this should be decided through referendums, as has been the case with other matters such as divorce and abortion. Overall, the situation in Italy involving Fleximan and the debate over speed cameras is complex and multifaceted, with differing opinions and emotions at play.