A petition to ban SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) from entering Lausanne could be presented to the city’s municipality and then to the cantonal government, according to the newspaper Le Matin.
The petition, which, according to Le Matin, has 1,200 signatures – their website shows a figure of around 800 – aims to ban large vehicles from the city’s streets. Only vehicles bearing an official sticker attesting to their compliance would be allowed into the city. All others would risk fines.
In the canton of Vaud, the minimum number of signatures required for a referendum, or popular vote, is 12,000. In the municipality of Lausanne, the minimum number of signatures needed for a referendum is between 8,000 and 8,500 (10% of the voting population).
The ban, which still requires the signatures of many more voters to qualify for a referendum, would stop anyone with a 4×4, SUV, SUT1 or crossover vehicle weighing more than 1,500 kgs, including electric vehicles, from entering the city. For example a Skoda Octavia Combi 4×4 1.6 TDI 2011 ( 1,405 kg) would be ok but an Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.0 TDI S-Line 2011 ( 1,600 kg) would not be. In addition, vehicles over 1,500 kg that are not a 4×4, SUV, SUT or crossover would be permitted.
For the organisers, these “oversized” vehicles are excessive except for certain specific commercial applications. They should therefore be kept outside the city, where their use adds to traffic congestion, air pollution and creates an additional danger to pedestrians and cyclists.
Jean-Luc Pirlot from the Automotive Trade Association told Le Matin that focusing on vehicle weight doesn’t take into account the differences between petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid cars. He also thinks that Lausanne’s steep streets justify these kinds of vehicles in winter.
Others have pointed out that SUVs are not necessarily the most polluting vehicles on the road. Many of the new ones are less polluting than some older smaller vehicles.
Petition organisers say that a focus on emissions would penalise some people with low incomes driving older more polluting vehicles when the petition is focused on banning newer oversized vehicles, which are typically owned by the well-off who can afford to change them.
More on this:
Le Matin article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
Petition website (in French)
1 Sports Utility Truck
For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
John Beena (@jbeaston1) says
This is one way for a small town/village to increase revenue by handing out large violation summons with hundreds of dollars fine to unsuspecting travelers for basically nothing. An easy way for local authorities to give themselves big salary raise/bonus.
Mark says
It’s a citizens’ petition. The city will refuse it because it’s not within their power.
George Waring says
Seriously, how often does a person visit the canton of Vaud.
Chad says
So, looks like the petition is about limiting size, with no size restriction? The restriction is actually based on drivetrain AND weight (not one or the other). By this measure, no Subaru wagon, no Audi A6, no dual motor Tesla (includes Tesla 3). Oddly enough, any 2wd Ford Excursion can drive right in at a size of 227″ L x 80″ W x 77-80″ H.
Millar, D says
A Dacia Duster 4×4 diesel would still be allowed to roam the streets of Lausanne too with its 1,300 kg. Yahoo !
Basic Civics says
Under Article 33 of the Federal Constitution, anyone can start a petition. Whether the petition is launched on paper or online, it does not have any legal value per se. The authority to which the petition is addressed must acknowledge receipt of the petition, but is not required to respond. However, the authorities generally do consider petitions and respond.
Bill smith says
So if I have a vw or Mercedes passenger van that normally weighs more than a suv and I have a 4wd system then that’s OK? Loony greens have escaped from day release!
Explainer of Obvious Things says
Think about how petitions work: if it gets a certain number of signatures the municipality has to respond. Not enact, respond.
That means that should it get enough signatures this will force a municipality including two greens to write a response on the order of “No, that’s no really workable. But we see where you’re coming from.”
In other words it’s an anti-green publicity stunt.
Pierre Christen says
Dans l’ensemble, pourquoi pas, mais dans l’exécution ça veut dire que mon break 4×4 (awd) basic qui fait un tout petit peu plus de 1500kg sera interdit… C’est pas un “vrai” gros 4×4 juste une voiture familiale et professionnelle de base !!
borris fatboy says
What the f@#k!!!! It is time for, we the people, of the world, to unite, and STOP the authoritarian control of, us the people, with public uprising on a world scale before it’s too late for our independance and FREEDOM.
goxo@itymail.com says
No more petitions ! Being free to tell government what we think is stifling our freedom !
Johnwtobin says
How are petitions stifling freedom?
Petitions to governments are very much an exercise in freedom.
I do hope you are being sarcastic.
The sad part being, it is so hard to tell nowadays.
Alex says
are you american by any chance?
Monica says
What if the vehicle owner has more than 3 children or dependants in the home?