We have wacky Italians in the news. Highway authorities in Italy are not amused by the antics of an 80-year-old retirement home resident who loves traveling as much as he hates paying tolls. Mario, nicknamed “nonno Mario,” meaning “grandfather Mario” is accused of dodging more than $4,300 in highway tolls by tailgating other drivers through lanes reserved for people with prepaid passes. At entrances and exits to the toll booths, Mario manages to get his Fiat Punto through behind the other car before the barrier comes down. Not only has Mario avoided tolls for two years but he’s being hailed as a true hero to cheapskates across the world. Authorities say his vehicle was identified through surveillance footage and he could face a trial on fraud charges if he doesn’t cough up the unpaid tolls. Mario says that he’s not a wealthy man, in fact, his entire pension goes into the retirement home and his main reason for not paying is that he doesn’t feel the highway system is worth the price.
Listen below:
