by InTrieste
Venice has begun enforcing new speed limits on its canals with the full activation of a citywide speed-detection system for boats, informally known as the “barcavelox.” After a two-month trial period without penalties, the system started issuing fines at midnight on August 1.
City officials reported that only 20 fines were recorded on the first day, a sharp decrease from the roughly 150 daily violations observed during the testing phase. Officials attributed the drop to changes in behavior among boat operators, many of whom slowed down in advance of monitored areas.
The system measures the average speed of boats as they pass through 38 designated sections of Venice’s canal network. Speed limits range from 5 to 11 kilometers per hour, depending on location. Fines begin at 138 euros, with a tolerance of two kilometers per hour.
The initiative is designed to protect Venice’s historic infrastructure from damage caused by strong boat wakes and to improve overall safety on the waterways. During the trial phase, most violations involved water taxis and delivery boats, with a smaller share attributed to private vessels.
Officials emphasized that the program is intended to enhance safety rather than generate revenue. Still, the first day’s figures suggest that awareness campaigns and signage may be influencing boaters’ behavior. Authorities said they will continue monitoring the system’s impact and hope the trend will help curb reckless navigation through the city’s canals.
