NW cantonal council Nidwalden introduces a more citizen-friendly objection procedure

In the canton of Nidwalden, traffic restrictions issued by the Justice and Security Directorate can now be contested by lodging an objection instead of an appeal. The cantonal parliament agrees with the change proposed by the government.

On Wednesday, the cantonal parliament discussed a partial revision of the Road Traffic Act at first reading. The aim of the amendment is to enable people who are affected by traffic restrictions to make their voices heard earlier, explained Director of Justice Karin Kayser-Frutschi (center) in the cantonal parliament. This will make the procedure more citizen-friendly and efficient.

In Nidwalden, traffic restrictions are currently published in the official gazette by the cantonal justice and security directorate. Anyone who does not agree with such an order must lodge an administrative appeal with the cantonal government.

However, the government council and all parliamentary groups agreed that administrative appeals are the wrong instrument for these cases. It often involves unnecessary effort for all parties involved. In addition, the persons lodging the appeal were taking a cost risk.

For this reason, there will now be a right of appeal for ordered traffic restrictions. This will make the appeal procedure more straightforward. The cost risk is eliminated and an agreement can be reached without further appeal, even with minor adjustments.

The final vote will take place after the second reading.