The end of the 28-tonne limit

20 May 2000
From 28 to 40
From 28 to 40

The 28-tonne limit is abolished in 2000. Now, trucks with a total weight of 40 tonnes are permitted to pass through Switzerland. In 2001, the Gotthard is still dominated by 28-tonners. (2001, Keystone)

On 21 May 2000, 67 per cent of Swiss voters approve the bilateral agreements negotiated with the European Union. As a result, Switzerland is obliged to abandon the 28-tonne limit for trucks. The new maximum is 40 tonnes. In return, the EU accepts the heavy vehicle fee, which is designed to support the NRLA objective of shifting traffic from road to rail. The agreement also governs the opening up of the road and rail transport markets for passengers and goods.

« The voters were very well informed. »

Hans Hirter, Wolf Linder, Vox-pop analysis of the national referendums on 21 May 2000, June 2000

Schweiz aktuell: Tropfenzählersystem durch Gotthard-Strassentunnel

2002, ©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich

Schweiz aktuell: Tropfenzählersystem durch Gotthard-Strassentunnel

Schweiz aktuell: Drip-feed system limiting the number of trucks passing through the Gotthard road tunnel, 2002 (©1970-2005 Swiss Radio and Television, licensed by Telepool PLC Zürich)

Freight traffic rail

Freight traffic rail

Freight traffic rail

Public passenger transport

Public passenger transport

Public passenger transport

93 per cent

of Social Democratic Party voters in favour of the bilateral agreements

40 tonnes

maximum weight limit for heavy goods vehicles on Swiss roads as of 2002

24 per cent

of Swiss People’s Party voters in favour of the bilateral agreements

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