French sirens annoy Swiss sleepers

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Local residents living in the Geneva commune of Perly are raising their voices about the use of sirens on French ambulances passing through at night.

Under an agreement, French emergency vehicles are permitted to cross Switzerland from the Pays de Gex to the hospital at Saint-Julien en Genevois. This saves significant time. 

While Swiss emergency services are told not to use sirens overnight - unless absolutely necessary – French drivers seem to be far more relaxed about the rules. Locals say it’s a problem that they’ve been living with for more than 20 years and they’re fed up. 

Cantonal Minister Mauro Poggia says he has raised the issue with the French several times – including just two weeks ago. 

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