I have received two notices of traffic violations while driving a hire car in Italy. The notices were sent by the car hire company, advising me that they had been requested to pass my details to the traffic police, but I have yet to receive any penalties from the Italian authorities. Are these genuine notices? If so, I am concerned that if I do not receive the fine from the police it will affect my credit rating. CC, London

Unfortunately they will be genuine. Italy is notoriously draconian about traffic enforcement and Italian police have up to 360 days to notify you of the fine, which explains why you have not yet heard from them yet. You then have 60 days to appeal, although the fine doubles if you lose your case. The British firm European Parking Collection administers penalty charge notices on behalf of more than 400 European councils and says official penalty notices are usually sent by recorded delivery, so the issuing authorities know if they reach you.

Your credit rating will only be affected if a court judgment is made against you in the UK and you would be notified of any court summons. In practice, authorities will rarely pursue legal action unless the motorist is a serial offender.

If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.