According to a report by the German Press Agency, Bavarian Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter called on Tyrol to “finally return to the negotiating table” and reconsider the ban, asserting that “digital traffic management in the form of a slot system can only succeed if Tyrol finally moves on the night-time driving ban.”
Echoing these sentiments, South Tyrol’s Minister for Mobility, Daniel Alfreider, lamented the stalled negotiations, emphasising the importance of “regional solidarity” in addressing the transit challenges. He criticised Tyrol for its lack of communication and transparency regarding infrastructure projects.
“Unfortunately, we only learn about current plans and their effects from newspapers and third parties,” dpa quoted the minister as saying.
Both regions expressed their commitment to continued cooperation on digital traffic management initiatives, even as they called for Tyrol to reconsider its stance on the night driving ban and improve its information-sharing practices.
The dispute over the Brenner Pass, a vital transit route through the Alps, has been a long-standing source of contention, with concerns over traffic congestion, pollution, and the impact on local communities. The ongoing renovations on the Lueg Bridge, a key section of the motorway, have further exacerbated the situation.
European Commission shares concerns about lorry bans in Tyrol
The latest development in the dispute over Austria’s transit restrictions on the Brenner Pass escalated on 16 May when the European Commission (EC) sided with Italy, concluding that certain Austrian measures hindered the free movement of goods within the EU.
This decision follows Italy’s formal request in February 2024 for an infringement procedure against Austria, citing years of frustration over the lack of a negotiated solution. Italian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini had been vocal about the negative impact of Austria’s unilateral bans on traffic flow, pollution, and fair competition within the EU.
The EC’s ruling specifically targets Austria’s night driving ban, sectoral driving ban for certain goods, winter ban on Saturdays, and metering of heavy goods traffic entering the A12 and A13 motorways. While acknowledging Austria’s environmental concerns, the EC deemed the measures disproportionate and lacking coherence.
Italy now has the option to refer the case to the EU Court of Justice, although an amicable resolution remains possible.