The bollards at Hoefkade and Parallelweg have been replaced with ANPR (Autmoatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. With this step, the municipality aims to maintain liveability and road safety, while ensuring that residents, entrepreneurs and informal carers with an exemption can continue to access the area.
The cameras replace the existing retractable bollards and allow the closed-traffic zone to be enforced in a more targeted way. At the same time, consideration is given to those who need to be in the area on a daily basis, such as residents, business owners and informal carers.
“With this pilot, we are choosing a careful approach. We want less unwanted traffic and safer streets, but we also want residents and entrepreneurs to know where they stand. That is why we will start by issuing warnings rather than fines,” said mobility alderman Arjen Kapteijns.
Residents living within the designated zone can register a maximum of two licence plates per address. Licence plates of informal carers can also be added. Businesses and organisations with premises in the area are likewise eligible for an exemption. Separate arrangements apply to specific groups, such as taxis, specialised transport services and animal ambulances.
Warnings first, enforcement later
At the request of the municipal council, the city will apply a social enforcement policy during the trial. This means there will be an adjustment period until 1 April. In the case of a first violation, a warning letter will be sent. The repeat-offence policy has been designed so that mistakes do not result in a large number of fines.
Communication and evaluation
The pilot will run for two years. During this period, the municipality will monitor the impact on traffic, liveability and enforcement. The number of vehicle passages, warnings and fines will be tracked and shared annually with the municipal council. Based on these findings, a decision will be made on how the system will be used in the future.
Text & image: Gemeente Den Haag / Valerie Kuypers
Translation: The Hague Online
