Open letter: Protecting the Alps from excessive transit traffic
The Alpine region is under increasing pressure from the climate crisis, air pollution and ever-growing traffic volumes: 67 organisations, led by CIPRA International, have therefore sent an open letter to EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the transport ministers of the Alpine countries.
In 2024, Italy brought a case before the European Court of Justice against Tyrol’s measures to regulate freight traffic over the Brenner Pass. On the occasion of the first hearing in early December, the organisations that signed the open letter called for the Tyrolean freight traffic regulations on the Brenner Pass to be maintained. The decision, due in 2026, will inevitably set an example for other Alpine transit routes. It must not become a precedent for dismantling the achievements of human- and environment-friendly traffic management. The open letter calls for decisive action to be taken against the increasing traffic burden in the Alpine region. In the letter, Uwe Roth, President of CIPRA International, emphasises: “Keeping freight control measures at the Brenner and implementing sustainable road and rail traffic management across Alpine transit routes are essential for ensuring environmentally and climate-friendly transit while protecting both people and nature.”
Traffic management as a key instrument
Italy’s lawsuit against Austria aims to overturn the traffic management measures in place in Tyrol on the grounds that they violate the principle of free movement of goods guaranteed by EU law. A repeal of the control measures by the European Court of Justice in favour of unrestricted movement of goods in Europe would have unacceptable consequences for the regions along the Brenner axis and send a far-reaching signal for transalpine road routes on all Alpine transit routes. The 67 signatory organisations warn of a domino effect: protective measures for people and the environment on other Alpine transit routes could in future also be lifted or not enacted at all. Road freight transport would thus be given priority, disadvantaging more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as rail. Instead of completely opening up the routes to road freight transport, additional measures are urgently needed on Alpine transit routes – such as the Brenner corridor – to effectively limit the steadily increasing volume of passenger and heavy goods vehicle traffic. Only with a strong rail network can traffic be effectively shifted, freight transport made climate-friendly and the quality of life of the Alpine population protected.
Further information:
Jakob Dietachmair, CIPRA International (Executive Director), +423 2375306, jakob.dietachmair@cipra.org
Michael Gams, CIPRA International (Communications), +423 2375304, michael.gams@cipra.org
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