Huge Con!

[Andy M]

There I was reading the automotive news (a good excuse to be on the net at work) when up pops a story about the new German enviromental zones. The idea is simple, every vehicle in certain districts (centre of Berlin and Hannover to start with) needs a badge (like a tax disk). These are Red for Euro 2 vehicles, Yellow for Euro 3 and Green for Euro 4 emissions. No badge (ie a Euro 1 vehicle or a driver who doesn't know the rule) means a 40€ fine. As of 2010 red badge vehicles might not be allowed in the zone.  Foreign vehicles are specifically included.

Ok thinks I, you might think the law is a little draconian, but how would I get a badge?

There are two ways.

1. A company hawking it's wares round the journalists will sell you one online for €35. They want a copy of your V5 

2. Any MOT station, petrol station or tyre place in any of the zones will sell you a badge for 5-10 € if you show your V5.   

What only the German official sites tell you is that MOTORCYCLES ARE EXCEMPT 

If anyone is thinking of travelling to Germany, please don't be taken in by the rip off merchants and sub-Jeremy Clarkson level journalists!

Andy

[bullet350]

don't let Ken 'i can't drive so hate everyone who does' Livingstone see this.

he'll come up with a version whereby even pedestrians pay more the older they get (old people do put out more gasses though).

bullet350

[guest40]

(old people do put out more gasses though).

bullet350

OI OI oi give over.

[guest24]

I find fried eggs help to assist me with my emissions....

Talking of emissions, dont forget that Mr Livingstone's new LEZ (Low Emission Zone) starts soon. So if you drive a diesel truck for fun in London - watch out, there is a fine about!