Germany closer to imposing tolls on autobahn network

Germany’s autobahns are closer to becoming toll roads for anyone driving a foreign passenger car.

Millions of foreign vehicles a year are thought to use the autobahn system.

Fees will vary depending on the vehicle’s cylinder capacity and environmental quality, but are likely to be €10 for 10 days, €22 for two months, going up to €163 for a year.

While cars registered in Germany will also have to pay, their owners will be able to deduct the toll costs from their vehicle taxes.

The resulting revenue is intended for maintenance of the transport infrastructure.

The toll is expected to be introduced in 2016, but the law may yet be challenged by Brussels.

The author, transport minister Alexander Dobrindt, believes the proposed law does not discriminate against foreigners.

Indeed, there is feeling within the country that it is German drivers who face discrimination when driving abroad as most of their neighbouring countries already have toll roads.

Austria’s transport minister said it is studying the legality of the law and would “exhaust all legal measures” to stop it if it is found to be discriminatory.

Opposition politicians have criticised the proposed law for being far more troublesome to implement than the estimated €480 million in annual income would be worth.

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