Cantonal votes AG The people of Aargau want to make it more difficult to set up speed cameras
As a special case throughout Switzerland, the canton of Aargau will restrict the use of speed cameras in future. The people have clearly approved a popular initiative for a permit requirement. An initiative to reduce social welfare failed.
08.03.2026, 14:20
SDA
Voters approved the popular initiative "Stop speed camera rip-offs" with a 55.5 percent "yes" vote (130,558 "yes" votes to 104,565 "no" votes). The turnout was 54.5 percent, as reported by the State Chancellery of Aargau on Sunday.
The initiative launched by the Young FDP anchors a new cantonal authorization requirement for stationary speed and red light monitoring systems in the police law. Semi-stationary installations will be limited in time.
Parliament, the cantonal government as well as the SVP and FDP spoke out in favor of the initiative. They argued that clear rules were needed and that the systems would not be banned. The Center Party, SP, Greens and EVP rejected the initiative. They argued that it was populist and endangered road safety.
The issue is a perennial political hot potato in Aargau. There is only one fixed monitoring system in the canton, at the Gstühl intersection in Baden. The voters of Baden rejected the cantonal initiative.
The number of traffic violations has fallen since the municipal speed camera system was installed. The cantonal police only rely on unexpected speed checks with a mobile laser measuring device to catch traffic offenders.
Reduction in social welfare rejected
Voters rejected the popular initiative "Work must pay" - with a 55.2 percent "no" vote (128,687 "no" votes to 104,322 "yes" votes).
The initiative, launched by the Young SVP, aimed to reduce the basic needs of social welfare recipients by at least five percent after two years. People who take advantage of social welfare would have to face the consequences.
The SP, Center Party, Greens, GLP and EVP fought against the initiative. The government council rejected the request. The opponents argued that the initiative would increase bureaucracy. The municipalities had instruments at their disposal to sanction uncooperative behavior. For example, social welfare could be reduced by up to thirty percent.
Parliament narrowly voted in favor of the initiative. The SVP and FDP supported the initiative. According to current figures, the social welfare rate in Aargau is 1.6 percent. It fell for the seventh time in a row in 2024.
