A Volkswagen Golf with Hannover license plates has been sitting in a short-term parking space at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) for over a year, accumulating an astonishing €200,000 in parking fees.
The abandoned car, parked at the terminal entrance, has become a mystery, with authorities unable to track down its owner.
Inside the vehicle, an open chocolate bar and a half-full bottle of water remain undisturbed, while the car’s control screen appears to have been damaged. Each day the car remains in place, another €552 is added to the mounting bill, as the airport’s short-term parking rate imposes a €23 charge per hour after the initial 10-minute free period expires.
The Berlin-Brandenburg Airport Authority has distanced itself from the situation, pointing to APCOA Deutschland GmbH, the company responsible for managing the parking facilities. According to an APCOA spokesperson, they are in close contact with the relevant authorities and the parking lot owner to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the car is stolen. The Hannover Police Department has yet to confirm whether the vehicle was reported missing or where it originally came from. The Berlin Federal Police, responsible for airport security, also stated they have no record of the car.
The situation raises questions about how unpaid parking fines will be collected. APCOA representatives have indicated that enforcement depends on identifying the vehicle’s owner and determining whether they have the financial means to settle the debt. Until then, the parking meter will continue running, making this Volkswagen one of the most expensive parked cars in history.
