21. 05. 08. - 16:38

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21. 05. 08. - 16:38

Government supports Tyrol driving ban

Federal Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer and Vice Chancellor Wilhelm Molterer explained to the Cabinet on Wednesday that they support Tyrol’s haulier ban on the Unterinntal highway in the face of an European commission complaint stating that the ban violates EU law.

Gusenbauer said that transportation played an "above average" part of CO2 emissions and said that they would work with the EU. Molterer said that the number of hauliers are a problem Austria-wide, not just in Tyrol.

The EU commission sent the Austrian government an official letter, which included an obligation to respond by Wednesday.

Tyrol argues that the ban is necessary to combat the rise in Nitrogen dioxide and particle emissions which have been on the rise. Tyrol introduced the first measure to lower pollution in 2007 by reducing the speed limit to 100km per hour.

The ban affects the highway between Kufstein and Zirl, near Innsbruck. No haulier over 7.5 tons carrying waste, rock, earth, or excavated material will be allowed on the road.

Tyrol expects to see around 35,000 less transit journeys every year.

Three years ago, the European Court of Justice ruled against a planned ban. The Judges in Luxemburg criticized that there were no alternatives to the 'Unterinntal' highway.

This time, Tyrol has worked with the Austrian Federal Railways, who have increased their capacity on corresponding rail routes so that more heavy goods will be carried by rail.

With the second notice of the breach of contract proceedings next Tuesday, Austria will have to respond within 30 days. If the response does not convince the EU Commission, they can bring a new case against the Alpine Republic.

austriantimes.at

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