Swiss divided over congestion charge
The Swiss are still deeply divided over whether to introduce London-style congestion charges in the inner cities.
In panel discussions set up by the Centre for Technology Assessment (TA-Swiss), the public agreed that traffic needed to be regulated, but opinions differed on whether and how charges should be levied.
TA-Swiss said on Tuesday that six panel discussions in Zurich, Bern and Geneva earlier this year showed that those living in inner city Zurich or Geneva were much more inclined to be in favour of congestion charges than those from the suburbs.
The latter instead favoured measures aimed at easing the traffic flow and improving road infrastructure.
Those against congestion charges in the inner cities said such a system would not work in Switzerland, despite it being successful in other countries.
Overburdened
They also feared that the tolls would be high, public transport would be overburdened and that the state would be the main beneficiary of the proceeds.
For their part, those in favour said charges would result in better traffic control and promote the use of public transport, which would be better for the environment.
The introduction of a congestion charge in London in February 2003 reduced road traffic in the inner city by 30 per cent and brought in revenues of £80 million (SFr178 million) in its first year.
Traffic congestion is widely acknowledged to be a problem in Switzerland, especially in urban areas.
But a proposal to fund new road projects to the tune of SFr350 million was turned down by voters last February and parliament has repeatedly rejected moves to introduce a nationwide toll system.
swissinfo with agencies
TA-Swiss was founded in 1996 to assess the merits and risks of technological achievements.
It mainly carries out studies on the social, financial and environmental impact of new technologies.
It transmits the results of these studies to the public as well as the political and business worlds.
Road pricing is normally levied on tunnels and motorways or in inner cities.
It is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and raising funds.
Road pricing is already in force for lorries in Switzerland.
Singapore, Bergen (Norway)and London have already introduced congestion charges for inner cities.
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