Profits before safety

I HAVE crossed the Morandi viaduct in genoa dozens of times over the past 20 years and have always felt nervous. The middle section of this motorway bridge collapsed this week, sending dozens plummeting to their deaths.

As the author of a book on Italy’s motorways and construction industry, I believe there are several reasons for its collapse. It was never designed to cope with the huge volume of heavy traffic that thundered across it 24 hours a day.

The privatisation of Italy’s motorways means profits count more than safety. Corruption, delays and poor quality materials are endemic in the country’s construction industry.

The former infrastructure minister graziano Del rio once said: ‘Italy is the only country where motorists have to pray each time they cross a viaduct or bridge.’

Privatisation must end and the management of motorways must return to the state.

PETER FIELDMAN, Florence.