Ongoing Vandalism Targets Ponale Route Gate, Law Enforcement Intervenes

It is an actual war ongoing between the Traffic Service of the Province and the unknown individuals who, with incredible persistence, continue to tamper with the large gate that (only in theory) closes the old Ponale route to traffic and to vandalize the signage forbidding access to the road.

Several times in recent months, the metal structure has been severely damaged, using – listen carefully – generators, electric grinders, and even oxygen flame torches. Each time, once the damage was discovered, the Province‘s employees repaired the damage (the gate has been sealed with the approval of the Civil Protection, as it can be reopened within minutes if urgent need arises), incurring costs that are now becoming quite significant.

Interventions and consequences

It has become an unsustainable situation, to the point that law enforcement agencies will now be watching over the gate as well. Anyone caught sabotaging the barrier risks serious penalties, as tampering with signs and signals is covered by the criminal code.

Last year, a worker was assaulted by a group of German cyclists because he tried to prevent them from accessing the old road. Now, acts of outright sabotage have occurred: is it really worth risking jail just for a delightful and breathtaking ride?