What does the UDC propose to counteract diversion traffic?

The UDC has filed a motion requesting the adoption of a model similar to the one implemented in Birsfelden (BL). The objective is to limit transit on neighborhood roads to protect residential areas, possibly providing penalties for those who use these routes for stops or too short transits.

Why is the Rhaetian Government wary of the proposal?

The Government of Graubünden considers it appropriate to wait for the legal situation of the Birsfelden model to be clarified or for a final verdict to be issued. The executive intends to avoid employing resources in pilot projects before having verified whether the provisions of federal law actually allow the adoption of such temporary closure measures.

When will the motion be discussed by the Grand Council?

The UDC motion, together with an interpellation presented by the Greens on the same subject, will probably be discussed at the August session of the Grand Council, the first meeting of parliament in its new composition since last June's elections.

Graubünden: diversion traffic, UDC criticizes the Government (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 21 July 2026

The greyish CDU proposes the Birsfelden model to counteract diversion traffic on the A13. The Government asks for legal clarity before proceeding.

Context

In a nutshell

The CDU proposes countermeasures against diversion traffic on the A13.
Request the adoption of a model similar to that of Birsfelden (BL).
The Rhaetian Government awaits clarification on the legal situation.
The motion will be discussed at the August session of the Grand Council.

Key facts

What: Motion to combat detour traffic on local roads.
When: Submitted last April, discussion scheduled for August.
Where: Canton of Graubünden, A13 and neighbouring villages.
Who: UDC Grisons, Rhaetian Government.
Model: Birsfelden System (BL) with penalties for short transits.

Last weekend, the A13 motorway in the Canton of Graubünden was the scene of a traffic jam that caused traffic to move to the surrounding villages. The phenomenon, which occurs regularly, prompted the UDC to file a motion to request the adoption of a traffic management model inspired by the one in force in Birsfelden, in the Basel-Country Canton. The party intends to restrict transit on neighborhood roads to protect residential areas affected by detour traffic. However, the Government's response to the motion, submitted last April, did not meet the expectations of the political group. In an official statement, the UDC expressed its dissatisfaction, arguing that an urgent need of the Grison population is postponed to a date to be defined. The Government, for its part, justified its

Operational details

Practical Implications Analysis

The debate in progress in the Grigioni canton highlights the complexity of managing traffic rerouting in areas characterized by mandatory transit infrastructure. The Birsfelden model, which from 2025 will prohibit traffic on certain residential streets, represents a restrictive approach aimed at discouraging the use of shortcuts by drivers. In this context, anyone who stops or passes through for less than 15 minutes in the affected areas may be subject to a fine. For Grigioni residents and those who regularly use the A13, adopting a similar system would entail a significant revision of driving habits during peak hours or in case of accidents on the autostrada. The main challenge remains the compatibility with federal law, an aspect that requires a thorough analysis before considering similar restrictions at the cantonal level.

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Key points

Procedures and subsequent steps

The parliamentary debate scheduled for the August session represents a crucial moment for the evolution of this proposal. Citizens and interested parties can follow the motion's progress through the official channels of the Grison Grand Council. In this phase, there are no direct actions expected from the population, but it is essential to stay informed about the decisions that will be taken regarding the feasibility study requested. If the Grand Council were to approve the motion, a phase of coordinated technical analysis with the Confederation would begin to assess the conformity of the proposed measures with the current road traffic legislation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the UDC propose to counteract diversion traffic?: The UDC has filed a motion requesting the adoption of a model similar to the one implemented in Birsfelden (BL). The objective is to limit transit on neighborhood roads to protect residential areas, possibly providing penalties for those who use these routes for stops or too short transits.
Why is the Rhaetian Government wary of the proposal?: The Government of Graubünden considers it appropriate to wait for the legal situation of the Birsfelden model to be clarified or for a final verdict to be issued. The executive intends to avoid employing resources in pilot projects before having verified whether the provisions of federal law actually allow the adoption of such temporary closure measures.
When will the motion be discussed by the Grand Council?: The UDC motion, together with an interpellation presented by the Greens on the same subject, will probably be discussed at the August session of the Grand Council, the first meeting of parliament in its new composition since last June's elections.