The Hague presents the Urban Logistics Action Programme 2026–2030, a package of measures designed to reduce the growing logistical pressure in the city. Due to strong growth in housing, jobs, and residents, the number of trips for construction, deliveries, and waste is increasing rapidly. To prevent the city from grinding to a halt, The Hague is opting for a smarter, cleaner, and safer way of organizing.
“ Construction traffic and delivery vans are part of a growing city. With this program, we ensure that it all fits better and causes less nuisance. We are opting for solutions that make an immediate difference on the streets: fewer vans, less traffic searching for traffic, and more space for everyone. That is important, because The Hague must remain liveable. That is why we are now taking steps to make the city quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant for everyone ,” says Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Raw Materials, and Mobility).
Towards a better balance in urban logistics
The need is great. Logistical pressure throughout the city is increasing rapidly due to growing construction activities, parcel delivery, hospitality deliveries, and waste collection. Residents and businesses are experiencing the effects of this growth, such as congestion and limited space. Therefore, the municipality is focusing specifically on the areas where the pressure is highest: in shopping streets, around construction sites, in residential areas, and on key logistical routes. A significant step has already been taken regarding parcel delivery: in the covenant with the G4 cities and carriers, it was agreed that parcel pick-up points and lockers would be expanded so that fewer vans need to enter the neighborhoods.
Smart measures for safer loading and unloading
One of the key measures is the recalibration of delivery window times in shopping areas. The current times no longer align with reality, causing carriers to deliver more frequently outside permitted hours and creating unsafe situations, particularly due to loading and unloading on the street. The Hague is investigating the possibilities for smarter supply chain management through supplier scheduling in combination with smart loading and unloading zones. In the long term, this could lead to new delivery window times as well as the deployment of digital enforcement via ANPR cameras. This should result in improved traffic flow and lower costs for businesses. Improved traffic flow leads to less nuisance and greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
To limit nuisance in the short term, the municipality is launching a pilot with smart loading and unloading zones in busy shopping streets such as Denneweg, Fahrenheitstraat, Frederik Hendriklaan, Goeverneurlaan, and Van Hoytemastraat. These spots can be reserved digitally in advance, meaning drivers no longer have to search for space and there are fewer illegally parked vehicles. The goal is clear: more efficient loading and unloading, less traffic searching for parking, and a safer street.
Gaining space in the city
A pilot project for a circular construction hub for civil engineering projects is starting at the HABO site in the Binckhorst. Materials are delivered there in bundles and reused, leading to fewer trips, reduced emissions, and less nuisance around construction sites. The pilot is set to launch shortly and aims to ensure a much more efficient and cleaner approach to construction logistics in the city.
The municipality consolidates hospitality deliveries by having small suppliers use sustainable local carriers and enabling large wholesalers to plan their routes more intelligently. As a result, fewer vehicles enter the same street each day, which noticeably improves traffic safety and livability.
Furthermore, entrepreneurs in BIZ areas are assisted in purchasing waste collection jointly. As a result, multiple waste collectors no longer need to drive into the same street one after another. Business associations can play an important role in this by organizing joint waste collection, which can significantly reduce the number of different collectors in a street.
Finally, The Hague is investigating which quays are suitable for water transport, an alternative that can save space on the road. This is particularly important for large construction projects in Laakhavens. A Hague Logistics Manual for developers will also be introduced, ensuring that internal logistics, loading and unloading, and space utilization are taken into account from the outset of new construction.
A number of measures from the Urban Logistics Action Programme were initiated at the beginning of this year, and measures are being further implemented step by step and monitored annually.
132 new social rental homes have been completed on Beresteinlaan in the Escamp district. These 132 homes consist of 42 maisonettes and 90 apartments with two or three rooms. The homes are being rented out by housing corporation Hof Wonen. The first residents have already moved into their new homes, and more residents will be moving into the new residential building in the coming weeks.
The new construction makes a significant contribution to the renewal of The Hague Southwest. The homes have been designed with sustainability and living comfort in mind. Solar panels have been installed on the roofs to generate sustainable energy. In addition, a green roof is being installed, contributing to better insulation, biodiversity, water retention, and a more pleasant living environment.
With the completion of these rental homes, both new residents and former residents of the neighborhood are finding a home or moving on within the area. Karolien de Jager of Hof Wonen: “We are therefore proud that some of the original residents are returning or moving on to a home in the neighborhood. In doing so, we are investing not only in new and sustainable homes, but also in maintaining social connections and the livability of the neighborhood.”
Alderman Co Engberts of the Municipality of The Hague is pleased with the completion. “The Hague Southwest is undergoing rapid development. We are investing here in better neighborhoods, more amenities, and attractive living environments. Modern and affordable homes are indispensable in this process. With these 132 social rental homes, we offer residents a sustainable home and strengthen the livability of this district, where so much is being renewed and refurbished.”
In the De Venen neighborhood, where these new homes are located, additional play and meeting areas will be created. Residents and interested parties can contribute ideas regarding the design. A questionnaire for this purpose is available online at denhaag.nl/denkmeedevenen until July 22.
Hof Wonen also views the completion as an important step. The completion of the new homes on Beresteinlaan fits perfectly within the social ambitions. “Everyone deserves an affordable, high-quality home in a pleasant neighborhood. With this project, we are not only adding new social rental homes, but also investing in sustainability and future-proof living for our tenants,” says Karolien de Jager.
The completion of the homes marks another milestone in the area development of The Hague Southwest, which is also part of the National Program Southwest.
Photo 1: the newly completed apartment complex
Photo 2: Alderman Co Engberts cuts the ribbon for the opening together with Karolien de Jager (Hof Wonen) and Annet de Lange (District Development Company The Hague Southwest)
Photo 3: Alderman Co Engberts warmly welcomes the new residents.
AirHub, a drone operations software company with a Sales and Marketing office in The Hague, has appointed Jon Craven as Head of Sales.
The appointment is relevant in the context of The Hague’s wider role as a city for international security, justice, public safety and technology. Drone technology is increasingly being used by police forces, fire services, port authorities, infrastructure operators and security organisations, raising important questions about safety, coordination, regulation and responsible use.
Craven brings experience from both aviation and software. Before moving into software sales, he worked as a military air traffic controller. This background gives him practical insight into complex airspace, operational safety and the kinds of systems needed when technology is used in high-pressure environments.
In his new role, he will lead sales across AirHub’s main sectors, including public safety, national security and critical infrastructure.
“After years of experience in complex airspace, I know how much depends on the quality of the systems supporting you,” said Jon Craven, Head of Sales at AirHub. “What AirHub is building is genuinely changing what is possible in the field. I am here to make sure the right organisations know about it and are able to use it.”
Stephan van Vuren, co-founder and co-CEO of AirHub, said Craven’s experience in aviation was closely connected to the needs of the company’s customers.
“Jon has experienced first-hand that critical operational systems in aviation simply cannot fail,” he said. “That experience is exactly what our customers recognise, and what makes him the right person to lead our commercial growth.”
AirHub develops software to help organisations manage drone operations, including flight preparation, real-time mission execution, compliance and data analysis. The company says its technology is used in sectors such as public safety, critical infrastructure and security.
The appointment follows AirHub’s recent €4.4 million Series A funding round, as the company continues to expand in Europe and the Middle East.
On Wednesday morning, June 24, no NS trains will be running temporarily due to a strike.
No trains between 4:00 and 8:00. Trade unions have announced a public transport strike for Wednesday morning, June 24. They are protesting against the cabinet’s proposed cuts to social security. As a result, no NS trains will run in the Netherlands between 4:00 and 8:00 AM.
Exceptions to this are:the Airport Sprinter between Amsterdam Central, Schiphol and Hoofddorp;the Eurostar to London and Paris for travelers with a reservation.The international trains EuroCity, Eurocity Direct, and ICE will not run during the strike. More information about international trains can be found at nsinternational.com
The timetable will resume from 8:00 AM. From 8:00 AM, trains will gradually resume running according to the timetable. Expectations are for all trains to be running according to the normal timetable again around noon.
Do you have a train journey planned for Wednesday morning? Then NS advises you to postpone your trip or arrange alternative transport.
Check the latest travel information before departure. The situation may change. Therefore, check the NS app, ns.nl , or nsinternational.com for the most up-to-date travel information just before departure.
Mayor Van Zanen visited the Mauritshuis last week to bid a farewell to Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring . The world-famous painting will travel temporarily to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka later this year, due to the closure of the Mauritshuis for renovations (August 24 to September 20, 2026). From August 15 to October 4, the girl will not be on display at the Mauritshuis.
The mayor gave ‘the girl’ a Hague luggage tag with a stork in advance for a safe journey to Japan. This was received by Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis.
Mayor Van Zanen said during the visit: “The Girl with the Pearl Earring is world-famous, but in The Hague she feels like our own. We entrust her to Osaka for a little while with peace of mind. With this Hague luggage tag, we ensure she arrives safely. Osaka, take good care of our girl. We wish you a very good journey and look forward to her return.”
In August, Mayor Van Zanen will go on an official trip to Japan and South Korea. Various appointments with the business community, cultural institutions, and international representatives are on the agenda. During this visit, he will also visit the Girl with the Pearl Earring at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art.
Text: Gemeente Den Haag. Translation to English: The Hague Online.
The Municipality of The Hague intends to use the first floor of Statenlaan 46 as a shelter location for up to 30 homeless family members for a period of five years. The owner is making the property available free of charge. Due to the residential zoning, shelter is permitted here.
A national census from 2025 shows that 6,246 residents of The Hague are homeless (1.1% of the population). Due to the ongoing housing crisis, the municipality is actively seeking new shelter places. The location on Statenlaan is intended for larger families (five people or more) who have recently become homeless or are currently staying in a hotel. Only families capable of living together independently are eligible.
Social management and livability
Social management is in place and available 24/7 to residents and neighbors. The management supports families, monitors livability, and encourages contact with the neighborhood. Alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier: “It is particularly valuable when a resident of The Hague not only sees what is needed but also actually takes action. By making this property available free of charge, the owner is giving dozens of families the chance to find peace again and rebuild their lives. This commitment to our city touches me and deserves all our appreciation.”
Day activities and guidance
Residents receive support in finding daytime activities, work, or school. They already have ties to The Hague and make use of facilities in The Hague. Local residents receive a letter and are invited to a neighborhood meeting, consultation hours, and an online platform. Responses are processed in a participation report that is taken into account in the decision-making process.
Financial and qualitative benefit
The care is of higher quality and 29% cheaper than hotel care, resulting in savings of €400,000 over five years. After a renovation of approximately three months and a preparation period of three months, the municipality expects to open the location at the end of 2026.
