Due to the upcoming long weekend a significant increase in traffic can be expected on the Hungarian motorways, which results in an increase in the number of e-vignettes sold. Taking this into consideration, it is worth buying the road use authorisation in advance in order to avoid queues. In addition to the 2100 sales locations, whether SMMC’s own or contracted, motorists also have the possibility of purchasing authorisations through their mobile phones or the internet.

Experience of recent years shows that there is a significant increase in traffic on the road network operated by the State Motorway Management Company Ltd. at long weekends. The increase in the period connected to All Souls’ Day can be primarily attributed to the growing numbers of travels within the county (visiting relatives). The resulting intensive traffic will be probably characteristic for every day of the long weekend.

In order to ensure a smooth traffic, the SMMC Ltd. will suspend maintenance and reconstruction activities with major diversions until next Wednesday. The surface reconstruction of the M1 motorway towards the border at km sections 40-45, which was finished yesterday, was also a work of this kind. Although the diversion on the section concerned can only be dissolved on the right track before the long weekend, 2x2 lanes will be available for drivers on both sides.

Heavier traffic also means bigger risk of accidents. Its reduction requires more concentration, caution and patience than usual. In addition, it is also worth considering that during these days drivers who spend relatively minimal time on the expressway network most of the year also drive on these ways, so their lack of routine implies a greater risk. In addition, it is also advisable to gather information about current weather conditions before starting the journey, because from October on the temperature sinks below zero more frequently in the early hours or in the morning, so there is a significant danger of slipping.

The increase in traffic on motorways understandably also results in an increasing number of e-vignettes sold, so these can be mostly purchased at the State Motorway Management Co. Ltd.’s client service offices and some of the points of sale in the retail network only after queuing for a long time. On the occasion of the upcoming long weekend, the Company would like to draw travellers' attention to the opportunity to purchase road use authorisations in advance. In addition, the SMMC Ltd.’s sales system provides four alternative opportunities for purchase:

• Over the Internet (also possible to purchase in advance)
• With bank card payment via mobile phones (also possible to purchase in advance)
• By SMS (text) messages on mobile phones (available through all three Hungarian service providers),
• Over the phone.

By the purchase methods listed above, drivers can obtain the toll tickets hassle-free, without having to queue up. Moreover, with the first two methods, the beginning of the ticket’s validity can also be selected, so the e-Vignettes can be purchased in advance – making travel preparations much easier. Service providers and the description of the services can be accessed via the www.motorway.hu website, under the link ‘E-vignette & Toll Payment \ Online purchase options’.

SMMC would like to request that those buying e-vignettes give the required data (registration number, country, toll category, beginning of validity, validity period) precisely, and check them carefully before final verification to avoid any fines. There is a chance, with all types of sales, to modify or to cancel all registered data before the final verification. Regardless of the type of transaction, it is always important to wait until you receive the confirmation (the receipt, in the case of traditional points of sale, or the confirmation message sent by the provider in the case of sales through electronic channels). According to the applicable laws, the toll portions of motorways may only be used with a valid e-vignette, which must be purchased prior to entering the motorway.

In connection with All Souls’ Day, it is also important to say a few words about the places of tribute established on the State Motorway Management Company Ltd.’s network. There are several people who would like to place some kind of object, flowers or a lamp at the place where the accident happened (e.g. on the service lane or at the crash barriers) in order to remember those who died on Hungarian expressways. The SMMC Ltd. understands this intention and shares the pain of relatives, but as an operator it cannot set aside the fact that this activity would expose the commemorators and the drivers to a significant danger. Due to reasons of traffic safety, the Company established a place of tribute on every motorway/highway during the last year, at which those who died in traffic accidents can be commemorated. The list of those places:

 - M0 highway: rest station at Alacska (km section 37, side towards highway no. 4)
 - M1 motorway: rest station at Grébics (km section 72, side towards Győr)
 - M2 highway: rest station at Göd (km section 25, side towards Vác)
 - M3 motorway: rest station at Kerekharaszt (km section 51, side towards Budapest)
 - M7 motorway: rest station at Törek (km section 109, side towards Budapest)