Schaffhausen voters face rival plans to restrict 30 km/h limits
Wednesday 9th September 2026 on 06:45 in
Switzerland
Voters in the canton of Schaffhausen will decide on September 27 whether to restrict 30 km/h speed limits on main roads, SRF reported. They will vote on the Traffic Flow Initiative and a counterproposal from the cantonal government and parliament.
The initiative, submitted by the EDU, would effectively ban 30 km/h limits on Schaffhausen main roads and keep the standard speed at 50 km/h within built-up areas. Any exception would require the cantonal parliament to amend the cantonal road infrastructure plan.
The counterproposal would also restrict lower speed limits but retain some flexibility in justified cases. This would apply in particular to traffic islands and road narrowings. Both these measures and 30 km/h limits would require strong justification, and decisions would be made by the cantonal public works office rather than by municipalities.
The EDU and SVP support the initiative. The FDP and The Centre favour the counterproposal. The Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Green Liberals oppose both proposals, warning that they would excessively limit measures to improve road safety.
Left-wing parties and organisations say 30 km/h limits can help prevent accidents, particularly near schools and care homes, while causing only minor delays. They also argue that a blanket introduction of 30 km/h is not planned and that measures would be based on expert assessments.
Business groups and other centre-right supporters back the initiative. Luca Jaquet, president of the Schaffhausen trade association and the cantonal fire service association, said 30 km/h made sense on residential streets but not on main roads. He warned of additional costs, delays and disadvantages for emergency services and volunteer fire brigades.
The dispute follows a decision by the cantonal government earlier this year to remove the city of Schaffhausen’s authority over cantonal roads. Since May 1, the canton has decided on all such roads, while pending applications for 30 km/h limits have been suspended. The city has said it would pursue speed reductions through the courts if necessary to protect residents.