CAR HIRE SWITZERLAND

As in Austria, care is needed when driving on alpine roads during the winter months. The rule of the road here is to give way to vehicles ascending, and you must also give way to postal vehicles. Beware of some roads which change their direction of traffic flow depending on the time of the day. Boarder crossings and tunnels in the mountains can be congested. It's compulsory to switch off your engine while waiting in stationary traffic.

VIGNETTE

A vignette is needed to use the motorways but unlike Austria only one type is available and this covers you for a whole year (or to be precise, the 14 months from December1 to January 31). Vignettes are available at border crossings, service stations and post offices, or in advance from the Switzerland Travel centre at 10 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QF. The cost of the vignette is CHF 40. If you are towing a trailer or caravan you have to purchase two vignettes.