Traffic No municipal autonomy for pedestrian crossings in 30 km/h zones

The Bernese municipalities should not be allowed to set up pedestrian crossings in 30 km/h zones in the future either. The cantonal government rejects a motion to this effect.

In his motion, Councillor Francesco Rappa (center/Burgdorf) argues that the municipalities know best where a pedestrian crossing is appropriate. Today, there are often uncertainties regarding the right of way in 30 km/h zones. Members of the Grand Council from the GLP, Greens, FDP, SVP and SP have also signed the motion.

In its response published on Monday, the government countered that the request could not be implemented. Implementation would be contrary to federal law. This is because the cantons are allowed to delegate signalization tasks to the municipalities, but the duty of supervision lies with the cantons.

In addition, pedestrian crossings in 30 km/h zones are generally not permitted. This is also regulated at federal level. Exceptions are only possible if the local situation makes a special right of way regulation necessary - for example near a school or a retirement home.

However, this must be approved by the canton. The civil engineering office examines the situation in each case and approves the requests where possible.

The Grand Council adopted a motion with the same demand back in 2013. It had no consequences, as it had to be written off as unfulfillable due to overriding legislation.

SDA