The billions that drivers pay

The billions that drivers pay

The ÖAMTC is foaming: Last year, ASFINAG generated an annual profit of 755 million euros. Financed by the toll revenue, the federal government as the owner will once again receive a share of the profits - this time in the amount of 200 million euros.

“Since 2011, around 1.5 billion euros in toll revenue has been transferred to the federal government instead of improving the road infrastructure or further reducing ASFINAG’s debts,” explains Bernhard Wiesinger, head of the ÖAMTC interest group. "As can be read on the back of every vignette, 100 percent of all toll revenue should actually be used for the motorways. It is not ASFINAG's job to fatten up the federal budget for projects other than the construction and maintenance of high-profile roads," Wiesinger makes clear. 

Conversely, the construction stops recently announced by the Ministry of Transport, such as that of the Lobau Tunnel in Vienna, should theoretically immediately lead to lower vignette and toll prices for consumers. Without dividends and investments in new buildings, prices could actually be more than a quarter lower for all users.

But one thing is certain for the club: Road expansion and new road construction are also needed to a reasonable extent. “Instead of putting up with traffic jams, more environmental pollution and accidents by stopping construction, the ASFINAG income must be spent on safe and environmentally friendly - because traffic jam-free - progress on the high-ranking road network,” says Wiesinger in conclusion.