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Border traffic jam: Holidaymakers stuck after police checks!
Increased border controls at the Scharnitzer Tunnel are causing massive traffic jams. Citizens complain about the catastrophic traffic situation and impacts.
Border traffic jam: Holidaymakers stuck after police checks!
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the traffic light at the south portal of the Scharnitzer Tunnel will turn red. The reason for this drastic measure is the increased entry controls by the federal police. These controls are carried out on the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and are aimed at curbing smuggling crime on the Austrian-German border. Mayor Christian Ihrberger reports massive traffic jams that extend as far as Zirl, especially at the end of the Bavarian Whitsun holidays.
The traffic situation is tense as the vehicle speed is reduced to just 10 km/h. This contributes significantly to the formation of traffic jams, as shown by the temporary closure of the Scharnitz bypass tunnel as a result of block handling. Dr. Rainer Scharf, spokesman for the Federal Police in Rosenheim, emphasizes that the intention behind the controls is not to create traffic jams, but to combat smuggling crime.
Traffic problems and alternative routes
The sharp slowdown in traffic has led to many holidaymakers choosing alternative routes across the Leutasch Valley to escape the traffic jams. Mayor Georgios Chrysochoidis of Leutasch describes the traffic situation as noticeable, but not dramatic. Nevertheless, Mayor Ihrberger sees the situation as a long-term problem that could also affect the rapid accessibility of rescue workers.
In his analysis, he calls the current situation a “catastrophe” and expresses concerns about his freedom of choice. The challenges posed by border controls raise questions about how local authorities can continue to ensure safety and rapid emergency response while traffic problems persist. “ Ihrenberger sees his scope for action as limited here and is calling for a reaction at a higher political level,” various sources report.
A look into the future
The increased border controls and the associated traffic jams are not only a nuisance for commuters and travelers, but also a sign of the challenges that exist at Europe's borders. Although the health and safety situation is being taken seriously, the dilemma remains as to how this can be carried out without massively affecting the transport arteries and thus the mobility of citizens.
In order to get this situation under control, strategic considerations and adaptable solutions are needed from higher authorities. Citizens want quick, uncomplicated processing without neglecting security.