The introduction by Italian traffic police of "telelaser" machinery, small cameras which register the speed at which a vehicle is travelling has meant an increase in speeding fines of 21 per cent since the introduction of the driving -licence points system ten months ago.

Figures, just released by the traffic police, indicate that in other areas drivers and motorcyclists have become more disciplined. The number of fines given for not wearing of seat belts has dropped by 43 per cent and those given for not wearing of crash helmets is down by 46 per cent.

Deaths on the roads have dropped by 18 per cent and injuries in road accidents are down by 17 per cent.