Immediate traffic ban in case of congestion on the Munich–Salzburg A8 motorway!

The section of the A8 motorway between Munich and Salzburg, as well as the municipalities along the A93 motorway, regularly suffer from congestion caused by peak summer travel periods. Due to traffic jams on the main routes, many drivers seek detours via secondary roads; however, this puts significant pressure on the communities along these roads. For this reason, for the first time, a new measure will be introduced: transit restrictions will be implemented at the exits of the A8 and A93 motorways. In the Rosenheim district, these restrictions will come into effect as early as the upcoming weekend, from August 15 to 17, and will initially be tested until the end of the Bavarian summer holidays. The ban will concern a total of ten motorway exits. Drivers who intend to leave the motorway because of a traffic jam may be directed back onto it by the police—this is expected mainly at the following junctions: Bad Aibling, Rosenheim-West, Rosenheim, Rohrdorf, Achenmühle, Frasdorf, Bernau am Chiemsee, and Felden (A8), as well as Reischenhart and Brannenburg (A93). The sections of road most affected by the transit ban will be subject to these restrictions from Fridays to Sundays, as well as on public holidays and during periods of heavy traffic disruption. Violating the ban can result in a fine of 50 euros. Designated road sections will be marked with warning signs (sign number “250” with an additional marker: “Ausweichverkehr bei Stau auf der Autobahn,” meaning “detour traffic prohibited in case of a closed motorway”). It is important to emphasize that the restrictions apply not only to those heading towards Salzburg but also to those returning from there: they are likewise not allowed to leave the motorway without due reason at the listed junctions. Local mayors and the leadership of Rosenheim district addressed an open letter to the Federal Ministry of Transport already in the spring, demanding that the transit ban be introduced for through traffic, following the Austrian model already implemented in Tyrol. Decision-makers eventually showed openness, stating that the implementation of such traffic measures falls under the authority of local bodies. The restriction introduced is of pioneering significance nationwide, which is why other regional governments are also interested in the experiences gained from the adopted method. According to ADAC experts, it is possible that the example will soon be followed by further districts. The bans do not apply to those visiting the area for holidays or to visit family or friends—they may continue to use some of the restricted roads, but may have to prove the purpose of their trip if required, for example by presenting a booking confirmation or providing their exact destination. The regulations take Tyrol as a model, where transit on local secondary roads has already been successfully restricted during peak season to disturb the everyday life of local residents as little as possible. The ADAC automobile club generally views the bans with reservations, as such measures may make free travel more difficult. They nevertheless recommend that travelers remain on the motorway in the event of a traffic jam, rather than choosing easily overcrowded secondary roads through villages. At the same time, the organization urges the expansion of the A8, as only two lanes are currently available in each direction without a hard shoulder in the affected section—this significantly increases the risk of congestion. It is also noted that the ban affects many road sections that are designated official alternative routes, whose purpose is specifically to facilitate detours from one exit to another in case of road closures or construction. ADAC experts therefore do not consider these broader bans sensible and point out that enforcement of the regulation may also prove problematic, as only random checks are possible. The A8 is one of the most heavily overloaded motorways in Germany; it crosses the southern part of the country from west to east, from Karlsruhe via Stuttgart and Munich to Salzburg. According to the summer 2024 traffic statistics, this was the nation’s second most congested motorway section in terms of the number of traffic jams per 100 kilometers. (Source: using materials from dpa.)