Traveling in Italy
 

We spent 10 days in Rome, Siena and Florence and had a very nice first visit ti Italy. Although the list of activities we found very enjoyable, I thought I found mention two minor problems. When we took the train from Rome to Florence, two very much in charge individuals told us where to stand for our coach and then loaded our language on the train and showed us to our seats. Even though one guy had a jacket that read "Staff," I knew they where not "offical." I did give the gentleman 1 Euro for his trouble. Later berfore the train departed he returned to us and said the fee was 5 Euro. My traveling companion was sympathetic and instructed me to pay them. However, I did remain the gentleman that he was already paid 1 Euro, which he acknowledged!

We rented a car in Florence and drove to Siena. Having read various forums beforehand, I knew speed cameras could be a problem. However, our "Never lost" device almost continuosly warned us of speed cameras while many cars were speeding past us. I did notice that while some areas did not seem to have any stationary cameras other areas did. I think I got nailed by the latter. I did not know if there was any "leeway" over the speed limit, but as other commentators warned, about 3 months after the trip a charge to my credit for 30 Euros appeared. I called Hertz who claimed to have no details but assumed it was a speed camera ticket. Given the size of the "fine," I must have not been over the limit by much.

Given the small amounts involved, neither event made any real dent in an otherwise wonderful vacation.

A wonderful vacation, that is great, bikemano. But, not to be negative but the 30 euro charge may have been the charge that Hertz is charging you regarding their "time" in giving your information to the local law enforcement where you were caught speeding and consequently do not be surprised if sometime in the coming months that you receive a citation from said Italian law enforcement for the actual fine. Most US visitors do not pay the fine..I am not sure if it will be put on your credit card or not. I don't think so.

If what you got was a ZTL ticket, the actual ticket is much higher and can also come in multiples.

Thanks for the information. We have speed/red light cameras in Cleveland and the collection rate is about 60%. They mostly catch out-of-town visitors who aren't aware of the cameras.

The ZTL has nothing to do with speeding or red lights (although there are cameras tracking that also). It's a restricted zone (most city centers in large cities in Italy have restricted zones) and if you enter it, the camera takes a pic of your license plate for the ticket. The car is traced to the rental company, they provide your information to the police (and charge a fee on your credit card for providing the info to the police) and the police has a ticket/fee sent to you via a contracted collection company they use. The actual ticket/fee may arrive months after the rental car charges their fee. This link shows the cameras around Florence, click ZTL and zoom in a time to two to see the restricted zones and location of cameras if you enter the areas.
http://news.comune.fi.it/muoversi/se...ervizi=Servizi