Swiss government requires reports before 30 km/h limits

The Swiss Federal Council will require cities and municipalities to obtain an expert report before introducing 30 km/h limits on main traffic routes, SRF reported Wednesday.

The report must show that reducing the speed limit will not cause unwanted diversion traffic through residential neighbourhoods. The change to the traffic-sign regulations will take effect on October 1.

The Federal Council said it adopted the requirement after the proposal received broad support during a consultation. Bern, for example, will have to commission a report in future if it wants to introduce a 30 km/h zone.

The government rejected a separate proposal that would have required cities and municipalities to prioritise quiet asphalt when resurfacing main roads with excessive noise emissions in built-up areas. The proposal was strongly contested during the consultation, the Federal Council said.

The regulation change responds to a motion approved by Parliament in 2024 from Peter Schilliger of the FDP in Lucerne. The motion called in principle for a 50 km/h limit in built-up areas.