Dear Austria,
My family went touring southern Germany on Saturday, September 20, 2008.
Our GPS system routed us around Lake Konstanz (Bodensee) when traveling to Lindau.
After emerging from a 14 km tunnel, we found ourselves directed to a parking area where we were informed that we owe 120 Euros to Austria for not having a pass.
Here are some items for your consideration:
1. The border was not well marked. Initially we thought we had traveled from Switzerland to Germany. We never saw a "Welcome to Austria" sign.
2. We were informed by the rude guard that the regulations are "posted at the border in English." If so, they are not prominently posted.
3. We were also informed that the 120 Euro allows us to drive for 2 days in Austria. We still would have to buy a 75 Euro annual pass. This is unacceptable.
The Swiss have a similar program for taxing cars, but they actually sell you a pass at the border rather than fine you. We have tried unsuccessfully to purchase an Austrian pass, but it is not clear who sells these or how one may purchase them. Automated machines at the border would probably help travelers comply with this rule.
At least the 120 Euro fine should be adequate to include a year pass for the offender.
We were planning on traveling to Austria for a week of sightseeing in the Spring. Now we are changing our plans to avoid your country. Instead we will stay home and watch the Sound of Music.
We will also inform our friends, family, and colleagues to tour all of Europe except Austria. People should not spend money in a country that treats visitors as criminals.
