The Dolomites and their inhabitants face mounting pressure not only from selfie-seeking tourists but also from surging illegal vehicle rallies, clandestine races, noisy motorcycles, and unauthorized high-altitude campsites. South Tyrol’s Councilor Daniel Alfreider emphasized the need for regulatory clarity from the competent Ministry to streamline radar approval procedures, stressing support for local municipalities and police in managing traffic across Dolomite passes.
Alfreider highlighted an “exponential increase” in unauthorized auto races over the past two years, citing a recent incident at Gardena Pass on July 30 where a high-powered vehicle veered off the road at 11:30 PM, requiring emergency intervention from volunteer firefighters. “The situation is unsustainable,” he stated, noting law enforcement cannot realistically operate 24/7 to curb nighttime races.
Speed enforcement currently falls to state and municipal police using mobile units, speed-check boxes, and fixed radars—though Alfreider noted South Tyrol has only one fixed speed camera, stationed at Rombo Pass. Noise pollution controls, he added, present even greater logistical challenges.
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