No mega trucks protest in the Alps

10 August 2009. During the past weekend environmental groups and dedicated people protested against the admission of mega trucks with the spectacular action "Fire in the Alps". Altogether 40 fires where burning in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. Already since 1988 the second weekend of August is used for symbolic bonfires. The fires are intended to pose a signal for the protection of the environment and a sustainable development of the Alps region.

In Basel the Alpen-Initiative lighted a fire against the admission of mega trucks. Executive director Alf Arnold reminded of previous raises of the overall weight of heavy goods vehicles in Switzerland. In 1999 the weight limit of lorries was increased from 28 to 40 tons - the opposite of what the Swiss government in Bern had promised before. The Alpen-Initiative wants to prevent a repetition of this in any circumstance.

By opposing mega trucks the Alpen-Initiative can count on the support of the people. Gigaliners would not only further stress the Alps region but also urban areas like Basel. An admission of 25 meter long and 60 tons heavy trucks would lead to cheaper truck transport and therefore to more transported goods on the road. This would also sabotage the policy to shift transport from road to rail, which is specified in the Swiss constitution.

Already today the Alpine countries suffer from constantly growing transit traffic. National Councillor Anita Lachenmeier-Thüring said on the occasion of the protest: "It is not acceptable that three-quarters of goods, that cross the border in Basel, arrive by truck." She demanded additional rail infrastructure so that more goods can be transported by railway.

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