Switzerland takes measures to promote modal shift
The Swiss federal council wants to extend the planned time limit for operating allowances for providers of unaccompanied combined transport services and lower the fees for using the rail tracks. Furthermore, as from 1 January 2021, EURO IV and V trucks will no longer benefit from a reduction of the heavy traffic levy. In addition, the Swiss federal council intends to intensify the checks on heavy-duty vehicles, for instance by completing the heavy traffic control centre Gotthard Süd at the southern end of the Gotthard tunnel in Giornico. These measures still have to be approved by the parliament. In Switzerland, railfreight currently holds a market share of 71%. With 941,000 journeys in 2018, transalpine road haulage traffic still exceeds the statutory maximum level of 650,000 journeys. (ben)