Editorial: “A gift for all Klags drivers”

2023-11-12 21:00:33

Edition from Monday, November 13, 2023, by Manfred Mitterwachauer

Innsbruck (OTS) – The good air is falling on Tyrol’s head: the 100 speed limit in the Oberland is dead. Rescue for the remaining speed limits and thus also the anti-transit package would be in sight at EU level. Before the election, the federal government still lacks the courage to impose stricter limits.

Matteo Salvini will rub his hands. If the Italian Transport Minister and Lega boss is still interested in the Brenner transit problem after the South Tyrolean state election defeat for his southpaw party. But the fact that Tyrol has now had to finally and completely crush the air 100 on the Inntal motorway in the Oberland is new grist for the European justice mill with which Salvini wants to bring the anti-transit fight in this country to its knees. And an involuntary gift to all Klags drivers.

In 2021, the IG-Luft-Bremse in the Oberland was obsolete from at least February to October due to sustainably improved air values. The LHStv, which was responsible at the time, still insured in 2022. Ingrid Felipe (Greens) said that the 100er was not in danger there in the winter months. In 2023 it will be smoke and mirrors. Felipe’s successor as State Transport Councilor, René Zumtobel (SP), legally had no choice but to lower the speed limit for cars. The good air values simply no longer exist. This is not a “fallover”, but rather consistent. Nevertheless, it is thought-provoking when Zumtobel simultaneously emphasizes the continued need for the Luft-100 and the “truck emergency defense measures” in accordance with the Immission Control Act on the Lower Inn Valley and Brenner motorways. Here too, the relevant air quality limits have been exceeded for two years. Salvini is building on this in his lawsuit at EU level.

Waiting for the announced tightening of the EU air cargo guidelines could be too late for Tyrol – an agreement is still pending. By then, all IG-L driving bans will probably have no legal basis. Italy doesn’t have to complain at all, just wait and see.

Austria could push ahead nationally. EU legal experts confirm this. As an interim step, Zumtobel is calling for at least a small reduction in pollutant limits. Environment and Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) has sympathy for this, but has so far failed to take action. LH Anton Mattle would also have to convince Chancellor Karl Nehammer. But the VP has the economy in its wake. Sharper air values would not only affect traffic, but also industry. And the National Council election is approaching. Tyrol’s transit problem seems too small to demonstrate national courage.

Tyrol’s EU MP Barbara Thaler did a good job in the transit fight in Brussels. The amendment to the EU infrastructure costs directive was too weak for her. Thaler is now moving to the Chamber of Commerce as President. The chamber has always counteracted the country’s transit policy. It will soon become clear whether Thaler will make the chamber rethink – or Thaler’s presidential office.