Good morning. Here are six verified updates shaping Pistoia and the wider province on Saturday, August 15.
Montalese speed camera returns on August 19
The fixed speed camera at Santomato will resume operation at midnight between August 18 and 19. It will monitor both directions around the clock, with a 50 km/h limit on this urban section of Via Montalese. The municipality says the device complies with the latest national technical rules and is intended to discourage excessive speed. Source: La Nazione, August 14.
More than €500,000 allocated for rent support
Pistoia’s municipal executive has approved the distribution criteria for the 2025 rent-support contribution. Available resources now exceed €500,000 after an additional €200,000 municipal allocation. The admitted applications include 296 households in the most disadvantaged band and 94 in the second band, with just over 90% of funds projected to go to the first group. Source: Report Pistoia, August 14.
Pescia hospital expands minimally invasive gynaecological surgery
The SS. Cosma e Damiano Hospital completed 11 high-complexity procedures between June 15 and July 30 using a minimally invasive technique for uterine and bladder prolapse. These were the first operations of this type performed in Valdinievole, and the health authority aims to strengthen Pescia’s role in specialised pelvic-floor surgery. Source: Report Pistoia, August 14.
Suspect arrested after fake-carabiniere scam in Lamporecchio
A 22-year-old man was arrested after allegedly posing as a local Carabinieri marshal and taking jewellery from an 86-year-old woman in Lamporecchio. The victim quickly contacted the real Carabinieri, while two taxi drivers reported the passenger’s suspicious behaviour. Officers stopped the suspect at Empoli station and recovered the valuables; a court later ordered house arrest with electronic monitoring. Source: La Nazione, August 14.
Montale incinerator debate moves toward public consultation
A packed extraordinary council meeting ended without a referendum proposal moving forward after the opposition withdrew its motion. Mayor Ferdinando Betti said a participatory process and public consultation would instead be organised before the municipality votes on relevant ATO measures. The dispute concerns plans that could replace the current plant with a new facility handling up to 100,000 tonnes. Source: La Nazione, August 14.
African swine fever rules reinforced across the province
Regional authorities have circulated updated biosecurity measures for areas affected by African swine fever. Abetone Cutigliano, Pistoia, Marliana, Sambuca Pistoiese, Pescia and San Marcello Piteglio are listed in the highest local restriction category. Outdoor activities may continue with precautions including staying on marked paths, keeping dogs on leads and disinfecting footwear, wheels and equipment. The disease does not infect people, but it can severely affect livestock and the local economy. Dead or distressed wild boar should be reported to 0573 306655. Source: La Nazione, August 14.
This briefing is an original English-language digest based on local reporting and official information available on the morning of August 15, 2026.