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Something could be coming to Switzerland: the EU Parliament voted this week in favor of the cross-border use of so-called Gigaliners on the streets of the European Union. The aim is to reduce road traffic emissions and make transport cheaper. The EU states that more goods require fewer trips. Simply: zero-emission vehicles require more weight, axle load and space. Hence the Gigaliners.
The ‘monster trucks’ are already driving on German highways. Even in large and sparsely populated countries such as Finland or Sweden. The super trucks are up to 25.25 meters long and weigh 60 tons. Only: in Switzerland, trucks are now allowed to weigh a maximum of 40 tons and be 18.75 meters long.
The pressure on Switzerland could increase
Nevertheless, environmental organizations fear that EU pressure will increase on Switzerland to allow such monsters on local roads in the future. “The European Parliament’s decision is a first step. This opened Pandora’s box,” fears Django Betschart (32), director of the Alpine Initiative. The association is committed, among other things, to ensuring that Gigaliners stay away from Swiss roads.
In order to finally implement the plans, the approval of the European Council, i.e. the heads of state and government of the EU, is still required. This is planned for after the European elections in June 2024. But: “Experience shows that changing the council’s thoughts is a difficult undertaking,” says Betschart.
Gigaliners have not reduced traffic congestion or the burden of noise, greenhouse gases and air pollutants, but have caused even more pollution by putting them back on the road. “If approved, Switzerland would also face enormous costs to adapt road infrastructure for Gigaliners,” Betschart said.
This would be necessary at the Swiss border, for example: the customs facilities are not equipped for Gigaliners. In addition, the parking spaces at customs waiting rooms and at rest areas and areas would be far too short. Roundabouts were almost impassable and bridges and tunnels also had to be adjusted.
Infrastructure costs run into the hundreds of millions
The Federal Roads Office (Astra) estimated the cost of the changes in a 2011 study at a figure in the three-digit million range. According to Astra, the research has not lost any relevance.
And even the truck lobby criticizes the Gigaliners. “Too big and too heavy for Switzerland,” says André Kirchhofer (46), deputy director of the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association Astag. “Astag categorically rejects the approval of Gigaliners in Switzerland – regardless of the EU’s decision.”
“Key points from the land transport agreement must be retained”
This is also an issue in the negotiations with the EU on the new editions of the framework agreement: a maximum of 40 tons of trucks may remain permitted in Switzerland, according to the draft of the Swiss negotiating mandate.
The EU mandate also stipulates that “special provisions” that deviate from EU law can be agreed for the situation in Switzerland. However, the wording was probably deliberately kept in its possible form.
However, for Astag it is clear: “The core points of the land transport agreement, such as the ban on night driving, the ban on cabotage and the 40 tonne limit, must be retained.”
Betschart also says: “We currently assume that the entire part of the traffic service is still insured for the time being.” However, he does not rule out that the EU could also exert pressure later.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
