Federal Council's Proposal for Speed Limit 30: Irresponsible and Expensive
05.12.2025 | from Swiss Association of Cities
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05.12.2025, Cities clearly reject the Federal Council's proposal for the implementation of the Schilliger motion. The hierarchy of the road network is not affected by a 30 km/h speed limit on main roads. However, a 30 km/h speed limit is an effective and cost-efficient measure against traffic noise, makes the roads safer for all road users, and improves the quality of public spaces. A rigid obligation to implement low-noise road surfaces, as proposed by the Federal Council, would lead to substantial additional costs in cities.
In their consultation response to the implementation of Motion 21.4516 Schilliger "Safeguarding the hierarchy of the road network within and outside urban areas," cities speak clearly: The proposals excessively restrict local authorities' handling of traffic, cause unacceptable additional costs, and lead to more construction sites in urban areas. The cities reject any restriction on the implementation of the 30 km/h speed limit on main roads; it would not be compatible with the objectives of a responsible urban transport policy. A 30 km/h speed limit is an effective and cost-efficient measure against traffic noise, makes the roads safer for all road users, and improves the quality of public spaces.
Higher Costs and More Construction Sites
The Federal Council proposes that for noise protection reasons, a low-noise road surface must always be installed before a 30 km/h limit can be implemented. In doing so, it seeks to systematically obligate cities to install such surfaces. The cities clearly reject this rigid prioritization because it unnecessarily curtails local planning autonomy and contradicts the Environmental Protection Act. Cities must be able to decide for themselves which measure is the most appropriate and proportionate for reducing noise at its source. Furthermore, installing low-noise surfaces is often technically restricted and causes unnecessary substantial additional costs for cities, especially since these surfaces have a shorter lifespan. This also leads to even more construction sites, affecting urban traffic, the public, and the economy.
Road Hierarchy and Speed Limit 30 Are Compatible
Cities support the pursuit of the motion that the road network's hierarchy must be maintained. This is already ensured by the city's transport concepts. It is professionally undisputed that the capacity of an urban main road is not impaired by the 30 km/h speed limit. Rather, it is determined by elements such as intersections, right-of-way regulations, and road geometry. By including a provision in the Traffic Signs Ordinance that the road network's hierarchy must be maintained, the motion's concerns are adequately addressed.
Open Letter from Cities and Municipalities
In light of national and cantonal efforts to complicate the implementation of the 30 km/h speed limit, cities and municipalities are drawing a red line. They call on Federal Councilor Albert Rösti and the cantonal directors of public works to avoid further restricting local autonomy. Around 600 municipal and city executives from across Switzerland, crossing all party lines, have signed an open letter on this issue.
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Swiss Association of Cities
The Swiss Association of Cities represents urban interests in politics. It informs the public about urban Switzerland and offers its members a platform for exchanging experiences and networking amongst themselves. Providing services for its members is another facet of its activities. Founded in 1897, the association today counts 129 members. The basis of the association's political work is Article 50 of the Federal Constitution, which requires the Confederation to pay particular attention to the interests of cities and agglomerations. Consequently, the association is a permanent partner in the Federal Council's consultation procedures, collaborates in the federal government's expert committees, and maintains regular contacts with the federal administration and Parliament and its commissions. The association’s General Assembly and the highlight of the cities' year is the City Day, which takes place at the end of August. The association comprises seven sections. For the technical handling of specialist topics, the association maintains commissions and working groups. Beyond its own bodies, the association is involved in numerous other organizations and institutions, such as the Tripartite Conference (TC). Supported by the Federal Council, the Conference of Cantonal Governments (KdK), the Swiss Association of Municipalities, and the Cities Association, the TC institutionalizes dialogue between state levels and develops joint positions in important political dossiers.
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Source: Swiss Association of Cities, Press release
Original article published on: Bundesrätlicher Vorschlag zu Tempo 30: Unverantwortlich und teuer