Frontiersmen, M5S VCO: 'Piedmont and Lombardy divided, so disparities increase' (cross-border guide)

Context

The Movement focuses in particular on the health tax and the different choices made by the two regions bordering Switzerland. According to official data from 2022, Lombardy applies a health tax of 2.90 euros per file, while Piedmont applies it at 1.90 euros. This disparity creates a climate of uncertainty among border workers who work and live in these regions.

"The health tax is just the least of the problems. There is the question of VAT, car stamps, and driver's licence renewal. All this creates huge confusion and increases expenses for border workers, "says a Bellinzona resident.

Switzerland, by contrast, has a clearer and more predictable tax system. Under the rules in force since 1 January 2020, Swiss border workers are exempt from health and VAT taxes. In addition, they can benefit from a compensation system that reduces the cost differences between Switzerland and Italy.

The disparity between Piedmont and Lombardy is not limited to the health tax. Piedmont, for example, applies a higher car stamp duty than Lombardy. According to the regulations in force since 1 January 2021, Piedmont applies a car stamp duty of 5.5% of the value of the vehicle, while Lombardy applies a tax of 3.5%.

The difference is considerable, especially for border crossers who have a vehicle to keep in Italy and another in Switzerland. “I'm forced to keep two cars because I can't

Operational details

The M5S VCO launched a strong appeal to the difficulties related to cross-border traffic, underlining how the lack of coordination between the Piedmontese and Lombard regional administrations is increasing the disparities between the territories. 📊

The state road 34 of Lake Maggiore, which connects Ticino to Piedmont, has been cited as an example of a road at risk. Road safety works were started in 2020 and are expected to be completed by 2025, but completion times are still uncertain. 🕒

The tunnel on the same artery has been subject to criticism for its management, considered inefficient and not in line with the needs of border workers. The costs of the works have been estimated at over 10 million francs, but the question of their financial coverage is still open. 💸

Work on state road 337 in the Vigezzo Valley between Re and Ribellasca began in 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2027. The road is considered one of the most important for local traffic, but the works have been criticized for their duration and impact on circulation. 🚧

The construction site of the bridge over the San Giovanni has been cited as an example of lack of coordination between regional administrations. The bridge was damaged by a flood in 2019 and repair work was started in 2020. However, completion times are still uncertain and the issue of financial hedging

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Key points

The 5 Star Movement (M5S) of Varese and Como (VCO) recalled the difficulties related to cross-border traffic, citing the securing of state road 34 of Lake Maggiore, the tunnels on the same artery, the works on state road 337 of the Vigezzo Valley between Re and Ribellasca and the construction site of the bridge over the San Giovanni.

According to the promoters of the M5S VCO, the lack of investment in cross-border roads creates disparities between local communities and increases travel times for freight and passenger transport. “The lack of funds for the maintenance and safety of cross-border roads is a serious issue that directly affects local communities,” says M5S spokesperson VCO.

The securing of state road 34 of Lake Maggiore is a concrete example of how the lack of investment can have negative consequences on cross-border traffic. According to data from ANAS (Azienda Nazionale Autostrade e Suxidiarie), state road 34 of Lake Maggiore is one of the busiest roads in Lombardy and Piedmont, with over 20,000 vehicles per day.

However, the maintenance and safety of this artery has been the subject of criticism and concern from the promoters of the M5S VCO. "The tunnels on State road 34 of Lake Maggiore were built in 1970 and have not undergone significant maintenance since then," says the M5S VCO spokesman.

The same situation occurs for

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Source: vconews.it