Federal Council opposes warnings about the risks of driving
The Federal Council has rejected a motion by Green Party National Council member Antonio Hodgers, who called for warning labels on car advertisements similar to those used in tobacco advertising. Automakers will not be required to include warning labels in their advertisements regarding risks to health and the environment.
The warnings in tobacco advertising have contributed to raising awareness and changing behavior, the Geneva politician explained his proposal. Warnings are therefore also suitable for car advertising. This is because motor vehicle traffic leads to environmental pollution and a lack of exercise and is therefore harmful to health. In addition, warnings should also be issued about the risk of accidents.
However, the instrument called for by Hodgers would do little to protect the environment from harmful emissions and increase road safety, according to the Federal Council. A mandatory requirement for such notices would not be very efficient. In its response published on Friday, the government also writes that car advertising already has to include information on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency. New cars would have to be labeled with an energy label and soon with an environmental label.
However, the instrument called for by Hodgers would do little to protect the environment from harmful emissions and increase road safety, according to the Federal Council. A mandatory requirement for such notices would not be very efficient. In its response published on Friday, the government also writes that car advertising already has to include information on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency. New cars would have to be labeled with an energy label and soon with an environmental label.
