In a packed Lorzensaal on Tuesday night, the mayor of Cham spoke again about the possibility of closing the Bärenbrücke for vehicular access to ease the traffic problem in the town centre, which has up to 20,000 cars a day driving through.
 
It is hoped the Cham/Hünenberg bypass, planned to open in 2015, will help, but even that will not solve all the traffic problems. To encourage motorists to skirt the centre, something has to be done. Traffic lights could be used but the town council wants a more comprehensive solution, hence the suggestion of restricting access over the bridge. "There's a feeling in town the place is in crisis," said Charles Meyer, head of construction in Cham. "It takes ages before offices can be let, and no-one is interested in the old buildings in the centre." Councillor Ursi Luginbühl agreed, saying: "What's missing is an attractive centre," although she also realised the bridge solution would anger business people and locals. She thought the idea of a bus connecting the Mandelhof with the Neudorf Centre would be good - and buses would be able to go faster with no cars in the way. Furthermore, there would be no need for bus bays.
 
A further suggestion of restricting vehicular access at Neudorf as opposed to the bridge is also being looked at. Mayor Bruno Werder, however, is quite clear, "We've looked at all the options and without some restriction on the bridge, the project cannot be implemented." A referendum is to be held on the matter on 13 June.