A Swiss village blocks traffic to protest influx of vacationers bypassing the Gotthard Tunnel

Residents of Amsteg in Switzerland's canton of Uri staged a protest Saturday morning, blocking traffic to voice their frustration over vacationers using local roads to bypass the congested Gotthard Tunnel. Approximately sixty demonstrators participated, marching single file across a pedestrian crossing to halt vehicle flow.

Carrying banners with slogans like "We've had enough!" and waving cantonal flags, the protesters, organized by the Uri canton's interest group with backing from Pro Alps, called for temporary traffic restrictions on days with high volumes of holiday travel. They contend that the situation has worsened since the Gotthard Pass opened and holiday traffic increased, leaving villages "submerged" by vehicles, particularly during peak hours.

The demonstrators invoked the Alpine Protection Article of the Federal Constitution, which obliges federal and cantonal authorities to protect the population and environment in alpine regions. They assert that safeguarding local communities must be prioritized over the convenience of holiday traffic. The group believes their action demonstrated that effective protective measures are possible and can be implemented swiftly when authorities act.

Following the protest, the Uri cantonal police redirected bypass traffic away from Erstfeld and Amsteg towards the highway. Organizers noted a significant reduction in village traffic during the morning hours. This action follows previous demands by the Uri interest group, dating back to 2023, for better protection against bypass traffic. While the Confederation introduced measures like temporary highway junction closures in 2024, and the canton employs traffic regulation systems, residents feel these are insufficient to curb the problem during peak summer and Easter travel periods.

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On en a marre!