Switzerland: Government rejects Gigaliner

16 Dec 2008. The government of Switzerland has opposed the allowance of Gigaliners. In a recent answer to a request by the liberal party, the government points to the numerous disadvantages, which the introduction of mega trucks would mean to Switzerland as a transit country. Besides costly adjustments to the road infrastructure and worsening of traffic safety the Gigaliners would also put Switzerland’s traffic relocation policy in question.

But there is also a disillusioning aspect. At the time being the Swiss government sees no necessity to become active against longer and heavier vehicles on the EU-level. Elena Strozzi from the Traffic Association of Switzerland (VCS) calls for the government to act: “The raise from 28 to 40 tons in the recent years shows which impact the introduction of 60 ton vehicles will have. Even if Switzerland rejects the 60 ton trucks the traffic relocation policy will suffer. And how long will Switzerland be able to reject?”

The VCS has therefore started a petition against Gigaliners. Just one week after the start more than 1500 people have joined the protest against the mega trucks. The petition will also be advanced to the EU-Commission in Brussels.