REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PRAGUE - The Czech and Austrian leaders say they oppose a plan by Germany to introduce a car toll targeting foreign drivers. Unlike many European countries, Germany has no car toll.
Germany has announced plans to introduce toll stickers in 2016 for all cars using German roads, not just highways. All road users would pay, but German car owners would be compensated by a cut in a separate car tax.
After a meeting Thursday, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said "it is not a good plan" because it discriminates against Czech drivers. His Austrian counterpart, Chancellor Werner Faymann, expressed doubts whether it is compatible with European Union law. Faymann says all options are open for his government, including legal action against Germany, if it turns out the toll breaches EU law.