The municipality of The Hague is going to make the Prinsestraat and its surroundings car-free and improve traffic safety. The measures will result in less car traffic, a more pleasant living environment and better connections for cyclists and pedestrians. The effects of the adjustments will be monitored and based on the results it will be decided whether the changes will be implemented permanently or adjusted.
The Prinsestraat and surrounding streets have been plagued by cut-through traffic for years, which causes unsafe situations and air pollution. Residents’ and business organisations have asked for a car-free street, and this ties in with the municipal plans to make the city centre more attractive and sustainable. In the coming period, research will be conducted into how the measures contribute to a quieter and greener environment, without this having unexpected negative effects on the accessibility of other streets.
“With these measures, we are taking an important step towards a greener and safer city centre with less car traffic. We are listening to the wishes of residents and entrepreneurs and are keeping a close eye on how these measures contribute to a more pleasant living environment. By monitoring closely, we can decide on a definitive design based on the results,” says alderman Arjen Kapteijns (mobility).
The construction of a wide cycle path will create more space for cyclists on the Prinsessewal. There will be more space for cyclists in the Prinsestraat because there will soon be much less car traffic and there will be extra parking spaces for bicycles. The public space will become greener by placing tree boxes and planting areas on former parking spaces, which contributes to a healthier living environment and a more attractive streetscape. The Hogewal will become greener by a planting area on a former traffic lane.
What does this mean for residents and entrepreneurs?
The intention is for through traffic to drive via the Teldersweg. Destination traffic to and from Kortenbos can go via the Elandstraat and Vondelstraat. Destination traffic remains possible, as well as supplies for shops and catering establishments within the set window times. Although the number of parking spaces in the Prinsestraat and on the Prinsessewal is decreasing, there is still sufficient parking space in the immediate vicinity. The municipality has consulted intensively with stakeholders, such as business organisations and residents’ groups, and has taken their concerns and wishes into account as much as possible. During an information meeting, residents and business organisations were able to give their opinion on the plan. Based on the views received, a number of adjustments have been made, including additional tree planters and charging points for electric vehicles.
What now?
During the pilot, the effects of the measures will be closely monitored. The municipality will monitor, among other things, whether car traffic actually decreases, how traffic safety develops and what consequences the changes have for entrepreneurs and residents. If the results are positive, a definitive redesign can follow with even more space for greenery and cyclists. If the pilot produces unexpected problems, measures can be adjusted. The implementation will start on 1 September 2025 and is expected to last 12 weeks. This means that the work will take place after the NATO summit and there will be minimal disruption to major events.
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