ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Toll roads in Europe

Hello kiddo! Have you ever been on a road trip with your family? Maybe you've seen a big sign that says "toll road". Well, in Europe, toll roads are like special roads where you have to pay money to drive on them.

It's kind of like going to an amusement park - you have to pay for a ticket to go on the rides. But instead of a ticket, toll roads charge you a fee for using the road. The reason they do this is because it takes a lot of money and resources to build and maintain these roads.

Sometimes, toll roads are faster and smoother than other roads because they have better quality surfaces and fewer speed limits. But you have to pay to use them, and the cost depends on how far you want to go and what kind of vehicle you're driving.

On some toll roads, you might stop at a booth and give the person working there your money. Other toll roads use special machines that read your license plate or a card you buy ahead of time. It's important to have enough money with you or pay attention to the signs so you don't accidentally end up on a toll road without being able to pay.

So that's a little bit about toll roads in Europe! They can be convenient if you're in a hurry or want to avoid traffic, but they can also be pricey. Just make sure you have a little extra cash on hand if you plan on using them.