UK drivers could require a permit to drive in Germany
UK drivers might have to buy a permit to drive on all German roads from 2016.
A new proposal from Germany would have all foreign-registered cars pay a car toll of 10 (£7.90) for 10 days or 100 (£79) for a year, depending on emissions.
The permit would take the form of a sticker, displayed in the car's window, and it would allow permit holders to drive on any road in Germany.
German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt predicts this will generate 2.5 billion (£2 billion) over four years. He commented: "It's in line with European law and it doesn't lead to any additional burden for domestic car owners."
He explained that the money would go towards funding road and bridge repairs within the country.
The European Commission has said that it welcomes plans to fund infrastructure projects but warned that both German and foreign drivers should be treated equally.
Helen Kearns, spokeswoman for the EU's transportation commissioner, Siim Kallas, told the Wall Street Journal: "Changes to Germany's existing car taxation scheme are a German responsibility. They should not be directly aimed at discriminating [against] foreign drivers."
Germany already has a toll system in place for trucks, which has existed for years. Its neighbouring countries have toll systems in place but if the new plan is introduced, Germany will be the first to distinguish between foreigners and nationals.
Dobrindt has said that national drivers will have to pay the toll as well but this will be offset by a tax cut elsewhere.
by: Danielle Bagnall