Geneva’s 30km/h Speed Limit Plan Derails After Court Ruling
A sweeping plan to impose a 30km/h speed limit across much of Geneva has been overturned by a Swiss court, marking a significant setback for local authorities aiming to reduce road noise and improve safety. The administrative court of first instance declared a decree enacting the limit null and void, effectively halting its general introduction.
The decision stems from a challenge brought by a police officer who continued to contest the 2022 decree even after other initial complaints were withdrawn. According to reports from Tribune de Genève, the court found that the Department of Health and Mobility had not adequately prepared the expert reports required by the Federal Road Traffic Act to justify the widespread speed reductions.
The proposed speed limit, intended to cover approximately 400 stretches of road in the canton of Geneva, was primarily aimed at combating road noise. However, the court determined it was unable to assess whether the speed reductions on those specific roads were proportionate given the lack of supporting documentation. This proportionality assessment, mandated by Swiss law, proved to be the critical failing of the initiative.
The ruling echoes broader resistance to blanket 30km/h zones in urban areas across Switzerland. Recent web search results indicate Swiss citizens are generally opposed to such widespread restrictions and the TCS and Automobile Club of Switzerland (ASC) previously lodged objections to similar proposals. A separate report from SWI swissinfo.ch confirms a similar court rejection of a 30km/h speed limit in Geneva, highlighting a pattern of legal challenges to these types of measures.
While the Department of Health and Mobility has stated it will not appeal the court’s decision, it intends to convene a round table discussion with all stakeholders to seek a mutually acceptable solution. This suggests a willingness to revisit the issue of speed limits in Geneva, but any future proposals will need to be firmly grounded in comprehensive expert analysis and adhere strictly to federal regulations.
The case underscores the complexities of implementing traffic calming measures in Switzerland, where legal challenges and public opposition can significantly impede policy changes. The requirement for thorough justification and expert reports, as highlighted by the court’s ruling, sets a high bar for authorities seeking to alter speed limits on a large scale. The outcome in Geneva will likely be closely watched by other Swiss cantons considering similar initiatives.
The broader debate over 30km/h zones reflects a tension between the desire for quieter, safer urban environments and concerns about restricting mobility and potentially disrupting traffic flow. While proponents argue that lower speeds reduce accidents and noise pollution, opponents contend that they can lead to congestion and inconvenience for drivers. The Geneva case demonstrates that navigating this tension requires careful planning, robust evidence, and a willingness to engage with all affected parties.
The court’s decision, delivered on , according to bluewin.ch, effectively resets the debate in Geneva, forcing authorities to reconsider their approach to speed management and prioritize a more legally sound and publicly supported strategy.
