Transit tax moves closer

Swiss autoroute network

Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a motion by Swiss People's Party Senator Marco Chiesa, with 173 votes in favor. 

The proposal would see drivers charged a variable fee depending on traffic levels, time of day and congestion, in a bid to ease pressure on the autoroute network.

Supporters say the measure could cut gridlock and raise over 100 million francs annually. 

But Transport Minister Albert Rösti warns it would be complex and costly to enforce, requiring extensive border monitoring. 

The Federal Council must now draft detailed legislation.

More from Bitesize News

  • Emergency heatwave plans active

    Geneva and Vaud are activating their heatwave plans from today as temperatures could climb to 37 over the next couple of days.

  • Parliament backs VAT hike for pension payments

    The lower house of parliament, the National Council, has rejected the mixed-financing plan and voted only to raise VAT to fund the 13th old-age pension.

  • Parliament rejects trade agreement

    In a surprise reversal, the parliament has rejected a major free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of South American nations.

  • Sperm donation laws hit setback

    A proposal to make it easier for same-sex couples and other intended parents to adopt children born through sperm donation has hit a setback in Parliament.

  • AI hits travel agent

    The online travel agent Lastminute.com is cutting a quarter of its workforce — around 400 jobs — by the end of 2026 to restructure around artificial intelligence.

  • Migros upsets locals with wrong number

    Migros has sparked an outcry after using the French number form "soixante-dix" instead of the local "septante" in a recent YouTube advert.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play