A parliamentary commission in Geneva is considering developing a radar to measure vehicle noise. The motion, put forward by the Greens and supported by others, is aimed at the noisiest road users. 13 out of 15 political parties are in favour of the plan. Only the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) was against it. The party […]
Federal council calls for more six-lane motorways in Switzerland
Currently, only 100 km (6.8%) of Switzerland’s national motorway network has six lanes – typically three in each direction. 1,311 km (90%) of the network has four lanes, with a remaining 47 km (3.2%) consisting of five lanes. According to NZZ am Sonntag, and reported in 20 Minutes, the Federal Council wants to expand the […]
37% drive after drinking too much alcohol, according to Swiss survey
In Switzerland, 37% drive after drinking too much during the festive season, according to a survey by Comparis. Most people will exceed Switzerland’s maximum blood alcohol level of 50 milligrammes of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood (0.25 mg/litre of breath) after drinking 500 ml of regular beer or 250 ml of wine. For […]
Geneva to experiment with 30km/h speed limits on main roads at night
Some main roads in Geneva will have their speed limits reduced from 50 km/h to 30km/h at night, according to 20 Minutes. The start date has not been set but the streets have been chosen. During the night the speed limit will fall to 30km/h on rue de Lausanne on the stretch between the train […]
Swiss driving age to drop to 17
Recently, The Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive, decided to reduce Switzerland’s minimum driving age to 17. Currently, residents of Switzerland need to be 18 before they can obtain a learner’s driving licence, a licence that allows driving while accompanied by a licensed driver. From 1 January 2021, this age will drop to 17. The process of […]
Geneva decides to ban the most polluting vehicles
On Friday, Geneva’s parliament voted in favour of a plan to progressively ban the most polluting vehicles from the city centre when air pollution reaches certain levels. While the legal details need to be worked out, the plan, which was put together by the canton’s executive, could be modeled on the French system. The French […]
Smoking soon to be banned on Swiss train platforms
Today, Switzerland’s public transport union (UTP) announced it would ban smoking on train platforms from 1 June 2019. From this date, smoking will only be allowed in designated smoking areas. The UTP hopes the ban will improve the comfort of passengers, reduce cleaning costs and better cater for both non-smokers and smokers. In Switzerland, platform […]
Switzerland’s electronic motorway vignette to be optional
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided the planned electronic motorway vignette will be optional. Drivers will be able to choose. Anyone wanting to drive on Switzerland’s motorway network must first buy a vignette, a road tax sticker introduced in 1985, which must be displayed on the windscreen. It currently costs CHF 40. The government’s announcement […]
French road protests likely to affect traffic in parts Switzerland
This Saturday, protests by the “Yellow vests”, a group protesting over rising French fuel prices, are expected to cause gridlock on roads across France, according to various French newspapers. It is feared the effects could spillover into nearby Switzerland. The group is voicing its anger over rising fuel prices, which have risen because of higher […]
Electric cars in Switzerland must soon make fake noise
Starting mid next year, electric and hybrid cars in Switzerland must emit noise to improve pedestrian safety, in particular the safety of those with impaired sight. The news was reported in the newspaper NZZ am Sonntag and confirmed by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Electric and hybrid cars will need to be fitted with external […]
