Road toll (historical)

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The road toll was a historical fee charged to travellers and merchants in return for permission to use the roads and waterways of the country or state concerned. It was reinforced in the Holy Roman Empire by the law of Straßenzwang which meant that traders in certain goods had to use specified roads. In return, they were usually guaranteed safe passage under the right of escort or Geleitrecht.^[1] The road toll was widespread especially in medieval times, and, in addition to the payments from the staple rights, was an important source of income.