SVP, FDP, Mitte Withdraw Initiative
- Zurich, Switzerland (AP) — A controversial initiative aimed at implementing "Tempo 30" speed limits on public transport routes in Zurich has been withdrawn following the approval of a...
- The Cantonal Council voted 113-59 on Monday to approve the counter-proposal, supported by the SP (Social Democratic Party), the Greens, and AL (Alternative List).
- The core of the dispute centered on concerns that imposing 30 km/h speed limits on key traffic arteries in Zurich and Winterthur would negatively impact bus and train...
Zurich Council Sidelines “Tempo 30” Initiative, Approves Counter-Proposal
Zurich, Switzerland (AP) — A controversial initiative aimed at implementing “Tempo 30” speed limits on public transport routes in Zurich has been withdrawn following the approval of a counter-proposal by the Cantonal Council.

Counter-Proposal Shifts Financial Burden
The Cantonal Council voted 113-59 on Monday to approve the counter-proposal, supported by the SP (Social Democratic Party), the Greens, and AL (Alternative List). This action led to the withdrawal of the original “Tempo 30” initiative by its bourgeois proponents.
The core of the dispute centered on concerns that imposing 30 km/h speed limits on key traffic arteries in Zurich and Winterthur would negatively impact bus and train services.
municipalities Face Potential Costs
Under the newly adopted counter-proposal, municipalities or the canton itself coudl face financial penalties if they introduce speed restrictions that demonstrably slow down public transportation. The proposal mandates exploring alternative measures to mitigate or offset any negative impacts on public transport service quality before financial penalties are levied.
Initiators Cite Achievement of Goals
The FDP (Free Democratic Party), SVP (Swiss People’s Party), and Mitte (The Center) jointly announced the withdrawal of their initiative in a press release Monday. They stated that the counter-proposal would more effectively achieve the shared goal of maintaining efficient public transport.
Unless a referendum is called, the counter-proposal will take effect, effectively ending the debate over blanket “Tempo 30” restrictions.
# Zurich’s “Tempo 30” Debate: Your Questions Answered
## What happened with the “Tempo 30” initiative in Zurich?
The “tempo 30” initiative, which aimed to impose 30 km/h speed limits on public transport routes in Zurich, was withdrawn. This happened after the Cantonal Council approved a counter-proposal.
## Why was the “Tempo 30” initiative withdrawn?
The initiative was withdrawn as the Cantonal Council approved a counter-proposal that addressed the concerns of those who opposed the original initiative. The counter-proposal was seen as a more effective way to achieve the shared goal of maintaining efficient public transport. The original initiative was proposed by the “bourgeois proponents” and withdrew after the supporting parties of the counter-proposal voted to pass it.
## What is the counter-proposal about?
The counter-proposal centers around maintaining efficient public transport and shifts focus to exploring alternative measures to mitigate any negative impacts. The core of the dispute was that imposing 30 km/h speed limits woudl negatively impact bus and train services.
## Who supported the counter-proposal?
The counter-proposal was supported by the SP (Social Democratic party), the Greens, and the AL (Alternative List).
## What did the Cantonal Council decide?
The Cantonal Council voted 113-59 to approve the counter-proposal. This decision nullified the need for the original ”Tempo 30″ initiative.
## What were the main concerns about the “Tempo 30” initiative?
The primary concern was that implementing 30 km/h speed limits on key traffic arteries in Zurich and Winterthur would negatively impact the efficiency of bus and train services.
## What are the potential consequences of the counter-proposal for municipalities?
Under the counter-proposal,municipalities or the canton itself could face financial penalties if they introduce speed restrictions that demonstrably slow down public transportation. The proposal mandates exploring alternative measures to mitigate or offset any negative impacts on public transport service quality before financial penalties are levied.
## Who initiated the original “Tempo 30″ initiative?
The original initiative proponents were the FDP (Free Democratic Party), SVP (swiss People’s Party), and Mitte (The Center).
## Why did the initiators of the original initiative withdraw it?
The initiators withdrew their initiative as they believed the counter-proposal would more effectively achieve the goal of maintaining efficient public transport. They stated this in a press release following the council’s decision.
## What happens next?
unless a referendum is called, the counter-proposal will take effect, effectively ending the debate over blanket “Tempo 30” restrictions.
## What are the key differences between the ”Tempo 30″ initiative and the counter-proposal?
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| feature | “tempo 30” Initiative | Counter-Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Implement 30 km/h speed limits on public transport routes. | Maintain efficient public transport, explore alternative measures. |
| Potential Impact | Risk of slowing down bus and train services. | Municipalities face potential financial penalties for slowing public transport. |
| Support | Supported by the FDP, SVP, and Mitte. | Supported by the SP, greens, and AL. |
| Outcome | Withdrawn after the counter-proposal was approved. | If no referendum, it takes effect, ending “Tempo 30” debate. |
