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Price hikes to pay for motorway extension

The cabinet has insisted on higher motorway access fees to go towards an extension of the national road network.

Transport Minister Doris Leuthard on Wednesday said the increase to SFr100 ($106) from SFr40 for an annual permit sticker was necessary to contribute to an upgrade of 387km of roads at a cost of SFr305 million a year.

The Swiss motorway network, begun in 1960, currently covers 1,801km.

Leuthard also announced a series of measures to alleviate traffic congestion, including limited-opening service lanes, a partial ban on trucks in the fast lane, as well as the gradual introduction of lower speed limits.

The proposals, to be approved by parliament, have met mixed reactions.

The Greens and other environmental groups rejected the plans as a cul-de-sac, while the Swiss People’s Party, the Business Federation and road associations argued it was unfair to burden car drivers while railroads continued to benefit from revenue from road traffic.

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