Traffic club campaigns against highway expansion and for a 30 km/h speed limit
Published: Thursday, May 2nd 2024, 10:40
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The Swiss Transport Club is focusing its transport policy priorities this year on the referendum against the expansion of the highway network. Other important demands include the promotion of 30 km/h speed limits and the further expansion of public transport.
The highest priority for the Swiss Transport Club (VCS) is the vote on the expansion of the highway, the VCS announced to the media in Bern on Thursday. This vote on the referendum, which was successfully launched by a broad alliance, will probably take place in November.
"The excessive expansion plans are in no way compatible with the environmental and spatial planning challenges of our time," explained VCS President Ruedi Blumer according to the speech text. Ultimately, even more roads would lead to more traffic and pose a serious health risk. The expansion step planned by parliament is not only too short-term, but also ignores the long-term effects on the environment and climate.
Instead, the VCS advocates a better and safer walking and cycling infrastructure and the optimization of public transport services. The involvement of business and administration is key to achieving a change in behavior. Employees should be provided with bicycles, e-bikes or public transport vouchers instead of car parking spaces. Working from home, flexible working hours, carpooling or company buses should be promoted wherever possible in order to avoid rush hours on the roads.
VCS Vice-President Isabelle Pasquier-Eichenberger noted that a 30 km/h speed limit has many advantages for the population and road users. Where 30 km/h zones have been introduced, the number of serious accidents has fallen by more than 38 percent. The Federal Supreme Court has expressly attested that 30 km/h speed limits are effective and cost-effective in combating noise. In addition, 30 km/h speed limits make town centers more attractive.
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