Cdm, ok to the reform of the Highway Code and to the reconstruction bill – Corriere.it

«Reconstruction, flooding and commissioning: habemus papam». Thus the deputy premier Matteo Salvini opening the press conference after the CDM in which the go-ahead for the appointment of general Francesco Paolo Figliuolo as commissioner for reconstruction after the floods that hit Emilia Romagna, Marche and Tuscany was given.

The road safety bill and the delegation for the reform of the Highway Code are two “strongly desired” measures by Salvini, “who has made it one of his priorities since the beginning of his mandate”. The bill contains many of the suggestions and ideas shared in various meetings with associations, bodies, experts and insiders. Most recently, Minister Salvini met around twenty digital creators and influencers yesterday to discuss the most effective messages for young people regarding safety. «It is an ambitious project that consists of several actions: it intervenes on sanctions, prevention and road safety education. But also on ztl, speed cameras and signs », explains the note. “The bill provides for a strengthening of the measures to combat driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, with the introduction of an absolute ban on consuming alcohol for drivers already convicted of specific crimes and the obligation, for the same, to install the so-called «alcolock», which prevents the engine from being started if the driver’s blood alcohol level is above zero. It will be punishable, regardless of the state of psycho-physical alteration, to drive having taken drugs, and the positivity to the rapid test will immediately trigger the withdrawal of the license and subsequently also the ban on obtaining the driving license for three years “, continues the note. “Novice drivers will not be able to drive large-engined vehicles before three years from the time they obtain their licence”.

Then there are «new rules on scooters, with the obligation to wear a helmet, license plate and insurance. Those in sharing will not be able to function outside the permitted areas. Severe penalties for wild parking, for driving against traffic and on extra-urban roads that are particularly busy and dangerous. Greater guarantees also for cyclists, with the discipline of overtaking in safety both on urban and extra-urban roads, providing – where possible – at least 1.5 meters of distance when carrying out the manoeuvre. In the event of an accident, safety cars will be able to slow down traffic and act as a deterrent for further accidents. More checks and signs at level crossings». And finally, “new rules are being introduced on the regulation of restricted traffic areas, which will have to be used with the criterion of maximum common sense, and greater clarity on speed cameras: the methods of approval of speed detection tools will be standardized with a subsequent regulation”. During the Council of Ministers, “the bill-delegation for a reform of the regulations on road traffic was also examined and approved, which reorganizes and rationalizes the matter also with a view to modernizing the legislative text in force, which dates back to 1992”.

The reconstruction

«With the framework bill that I presented and submitted this afternoon to the examination of the CDM, Italy is equipped with a discipline that constitutes a unique model in the reconstruction of the territories affected by disasters (seismic, alluvial, landslide, volcanic, etc. ..) to ensure certainty, stability and speed”. This was stated by the Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies Nello Musumeci at the end of the Council of Ministers which approved the draft law on reconstruction. «This puts an end to a non-homogeneous, not very organic, fragmented, stratified over time and differentiated by territory legislation. In short, the aim is to define governance, simplification and acceleration measures for the phase following an emergency of national importance. A homogeneous choice throughout the territory, in compliance with regional prerogatives» continues Musumeci.

The minister explains again “the main elements of the bill”: “1) certain times on the duration of the reconstruction, five years extendable up to a maximum of ten years for particular calamities; 2) an extraordinary commissioner (here the appointment of Figliuolo), identified among subjects with managerial competence, in agreement with the Regions concerned; 3) a support structure for the commissioner, with staff employed by the PA; 4) a coordination booth, chaired by the commissioner, with representatives of Casa Italia, Civil Protection, Regions, Provinces and Municipalities; 5) the possibility of issuing directives to ensure the unitary direction on a technical level; 6) a Reconstruction Fund; 7) monitoring mechanisms of the commissioners’ activity».

Furthermore, the rules for public and private reconstruction are simplified and accelerated. The new discipline will not apply to commissioner managements already established before the entry into force of the law. “I trust in a rapid preliminary examination of the provision by the unified Conference of State-Regions and local authorities – explains the minister – Needless to say, the subsequent examination by Parliament can only improve the proposed text”.

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