Alpine transit traffic still far from goal

The transport ministry says that around 1.25 million trucks passed through the Alps last year – far above the target set by the government.

It wants alpine freight to be moved from road to rail as a way of protecting the mountains from increased road traffic and has set a goal of a maximum 650,000 trucks per year by 2018/19.

A statement said that the number of trucks passing through the Alps rose by 77,000 to 1.25 million in 2010, hitting the same level as in pre-economic crisis 2007 and 2008.

It said this was “far over” the goal of 650,000 – set for after the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2017 – and the interim goal of one million by the end of 2011.

According to law, the government can submit extra measures to parliament should the target not be met. The cabinet will be making proposals with the next report on the issue, said the statement.

Overall, however, more freight was transported by rail than road in 2010 at 62.7 per cent of all goods. This was slightly higher than in 2009 (60.9 per cent).