Must I pay an Italian traffic penalty three years later?

I recently (July 2010) received a fine for driving in a restricted area of Florence when on holiday there in September 2007. Given the time lag and the fact that it is a foreign country I am uncertain about whether to pay the fine or not. The letter states that the Municipal Police have delegated the credit collection to Nici Credit Srl. What do you think?

Asked on 19 July 2010 by NJS

Answered by Dan Harrison
We don't claim to be experts in Italian law, but there is a section on our website here www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/italian-traffic-fines that gives some outline advice. It could be the case that this fine has expired. I'd also suggest posing the question to Lucy BC, our resident legal expert in the forum: www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/threads.htm?f=12
Similar questions
I have just received a notification of a traffic offence in Florence on 14 August 2007. Is it correct that according to Italian law I have to be notified within 360 days? If not, this has got to be a record!
Like P.T., we too have received details of an alleged traffic offence; in our case via Hertz who promptly charged my credit card 18 Euros for providing my name and address to the Italian authorities. I...
I have today received via Europcar details of an alleged traffic violation in Italy from the Italian Police from September 2008 Can the Italian authorities impose points on a UK licence? I have no recollection...