The German press has already called this event "the harshest increase in fines of all time," even though the rates in the country are considered among the highest in Europe. Speeding 70 kilometers per hour on roads will be punished with fines of €480-680 (about €250 more than before), and running a red light will cost between €90 and €360 (almost €160 more).
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee believes that these measures are necessary to better protect "reasonable" drivers and pedestrians from "unreasonable" ones. Despite the fact that the number of accidents has decreased by 5.6% in recent years, the number of road deaths in Germany remains unchanged.
According to RIA Novosti, Germany is not the only country facing changes in fines. Soon, the European Union may introduce a unified system for collecting fines, under which drivers will receive fine receipts in the language of their country of permanent residence. The relevant bill will be considered by the European Parliament.