Driving to Switzerland
Discussion
I made the mistake of politely,jokingly and tongue in cheekily commenting on the charge to drive on their motorways while in Switzerland at a border control (always got away without paying in the past at smaller border controls) , at which point the official placed his hand on his gun in its holster and uttered the words "pay or discuss"....I promptly paid and drove through the country to Italy within the hour and now always avoid any route which takes me through the country as a matter of principle ,childish I know but I'd rather spend my stopover money elsewhere.
Regards
Regards
Edited by twold on Saturday 20th December 16:24
Read this before you buy a vignette, (I sold my last one on ebay.)not all the Swiss roads require you need one.
http://www.tolltickets.com/country/swiss/vignette....
You will find driving on the equivalent to our motorways easier abroad because when a vehicle indicates to move into your lane they are going to do just that, not like over here waiting for you to let them out. I found this prevents lane hogging, because as soon as they have overtaken the vehicle in front they pull out of your way.
In Switzerland they are really cracking down on being drunk in charge, boaters included. My Swiss mate got done drunk in charge of a pedal cycle. They will continue to randomly test him (blood and hair samples) until he is completely free from any alcohol.
And don't forget you will need some Swiss Francs as well as Euros.
Can't suggest a route because we visited friends in Belgium and Germany before visiting another friend near Lucerne and then on to another friend in Castino, Italy with who we toured around Italy on our motorbikes. Twenty three days in July, 4,750miles. It was bloody hot, 39C in the shade.
http://www.tolltickets.com/country/swiss/vignette....
You will find driving on the equivalent to our motorways easier abroad because when a vehicle indicates to move into your lane they are going to do just that, not like over here waiting for you to let them out. I found this prevents lane hogging, because as soon as they have overtaken the vehicle in front they pull out of your way.
In Switzerland they are really cracking down on being drunk in charge, boaters included. My Swiss mate got done drunk in charge of a pedal cycle. They will continue to randomly test him (blood and hair samples) until he is completely free from any alcohol.
And don't forget you will need some Swiss Francs as well as Euros.
Can't suggest a route because we visited friends in Belgium and Germany before visiting another friend near Lucerne and then on to another friend in Castino, Italy with who we toured around Italy on our motorbikes. Twenty three days in July, 4,750miles. It was bloody hot, 39C in the shade.
Edited by lancepar on Saturday 20th December 23:12
I would recommend one of these.............
http://european-accident-statement.accidentsketch....
Choose which language you download. I managed to reclaim my excess from a Frenchman for an accident in Switzerland with one of these.
Hope you don't need it!
http://european-accident-statement.accidentsketch....
Choose which language you download. I managed to reclaim my excess from a Frenchman for an accident in Switzerland with one of these.
Hope you don't need it!
twold said:
I made the mistake of politely,jokingly and tongue in cheekily commenting on the charge to drive on their motorways while in Switzerland at a border control (always got away without paying in the past at smaller border controls) , at which point the official placed his hand on his gun in its holster and uttered the words "pay or discuss"....I promptly paid and drove through the country to Italy within the hour and now always avoid any route which takes me through the country as a matter of principle ,childish I know but I'd rather spend my stopover money elsewhere.
Regards
Not wanting to start an internet dispute here, but why ask why they charge? They do and we know they do, much like the French charge to use their Autoroutes but we don't question that!? To be honest for the chance to drive through a beautiful country with well surfaced and serviced roads I think £40 for a years motoring is bloody good value. No you can't speed but if you did you'd miss the scenery anyway and you have a couple of countries either side of Switzerland to exercise you car. Each to their own I suppose.Regards
Edited by twold on Saturday 20th December 16:24
s6boy said:
Not wanting to start an internet dispute here, but why ask why they charge? They do and we know they do, much like the French charge to use their Autoroutes but we don't question that!? To be honest for the chance to drive through a beautiful country with well surfaced and serviced roads I think £40 for a years motoring is bloody good value. No you can't speed but if you did you'd miss the scenery anyway and you have a couple of countries either side of Switzerland to exercise you car. Each to their own I suppose.
For many years my work took me to mostly Zurich approximately once a fortnight for a night or three with the occasional Geneva thrown in also.I also travelled around the country many many times from the age of three onwards and regularly nightstopped on my way further south in later life and agree that it is a picturesque country.But I do dislike the lack of any sense of humour that some officials feel they have the need to exhibit especially when reinforced by placing their hand on a firearm.Principles can become a pain in the ars# I know but if you have them,well....each to their own I suppose.........regardsGassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff