Venice may be a floating city, but it's not without traffic woes – with taxi boats, ferries, gondolas and cruise ships all vying for space on its famous canals and waterways.
In response to a rise in accidents and damage from speeding vessels, city authorities have introduced speed cameras for boats. The move aims to slow down traffic, enhance public safety and protect the city’s delicate foundations from erosion caused by powerful wake waves.
Andrea Balbi, a gondolier for 30 years and president of the Venice Gondolier Association, says speed is an increasing hazard. "The danger isn't just for the gondoliers, but everyone who travels on the water," Balbi explains. "When a boat goes fast and causes a wave, obviously other drivers or passengers could lose their balance and fall into the water or on the ground."
Beyond personal safety concerns, these waves also threaten Venice’s historic buildings. Officials hope that monitoring speeds will reduce wake motion, preserving the city's structures for future generations.
As cameras begin to roll across key canals, the city looks to marry tradition with technology, ensuring that Venice remains both enchanting and safe for locals and visitors alike.
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Amid accidents and damage, Venice introduces speed cameras for boats
cgtn.com
