Speeding on Venice's main thoroughfare, the Canal Grande, will be swiftly punished in future thanks to a system of computerised 'eyes' linked up to police headquarters
The Argos system for monitoring traffic on the lagoon city's waterways was presented on Friday by Deputy Mayor Michele Vianello, who described it as "totally innovative".
"It will allow us to monitor not only traffic offences but also the volume of traffic on the Canal Grande," he said, describing the system which uses advanced robotics to allow cameras to follow boats down the canal.
He said the system, which was tested for a year, allows police to watch every single boat that goes up or down the famous waterway, and to measure its speed at every single point.
Police patrols will be alerted by the central control centre if a boat is going too fast, or breaking any of the other rules for water traffic. They can then step in an hand out a fine immediately.
Vianello said the system would not spoil the unique look of the Canal Grande, which is lined with the splendid 'palazzi' of the rich merchants and nobles who once lived there.
"There will just be a few little television cameras positioned almost invisibly on a few buildings," he said.
