Uri voters to decide whether to raise vehicle tax by 10%

Voters in the canton of Uri will decide on November 29 whether to increase the vehicle tax by 10% as part of a package to address the canton’s deficit, SRF reports. The cantonal government and parliament support the increase, while the Swiss People’s Party has called a referendum.

The tax is based on a vehicle’s weight. Owners of an average mid-size car currently pay about 400 francs a year; the increase would bring that to around 440 francs. The change is expected to raise about 1.3 million francs in additional revenue annually.

The Swiss People’s Party and the Free Democratic Party oppose the measure. Swiss People’s Party president Claudia Brunner says residents of Uri’s side valleys, which have limited public transport, rely on cars to shop and attend medical appointments. She also points to commuters and rising living costs, and argues the canton should review its spending rather than raise taxes.

The Centre, Social Democratic Party, Green Party and Green Liberal Party support the increase, saying drivers should contribute to a broader package aimed at restoring the canton’s finances. The Swiss Transport Club’s Uri section also backs it. Its managing director, Philippe Rohrer, says the increase would cost less than half a tank of fuel a year and that revenue would go towards road maintenance and traffic safety. The tax has not increased since 1998, while inflation has reached about 20% and public transport fares have risen by around 40%, the article says.

Voters will also decide on a new election and voting law on November 29. Among other changes, it would replace the three envelopes currently used for federal, cantonal and municipal ballots with a single envelope.