Mobility

The Dutch railway safety system is ageing faster than expected, forcing the government to accelerate the transition to ERTMS. Replacement parts may become scarce by 2035, and billions in additional funding will be needed to keep the network running safely.

A study by the Dutch Data Protection Authority suggests that automated scanning cars may be wrongly fining half a million drivers each year. The technology often fails to recognise legal activities, such as loading goods or displaying disabled permits. The watchdog is now calling for a return to traditional patrols to prevent further financial errors.

Diesel prices at Dutch forecourts have surged to record highs, with the recommended price for a litre of diesel jumping by more than 10 cents on Friday to reach €2.793. This sharp increase follows a spike in global oil prices and wholesale diesel costs, which hit $200 a barrel for the first time since 2022 due to the escalating conflict in Iran. With US President Donald Trump warning of a further crackdown on Iran and fuel tankers being forced to take longer, more expensive routes, experts suggest that high demand and supply disruptions will continue to keep pump prices at unprecedented levels for the foreseeable future.

The aviation industry faces potential flight cancellations within six weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, as trade association BARIN warns of an impending kerosene shortage. While major hubs like Schiphol currently have sufficient stocks, long-haul intercontinental flights are expected to be the first cut to conserve fuel if the vital shipping route stays blocked. With Southeast Asian nations already buying up European supplies to offset their own regional shortages, experts suggest that smaller airports across Europe and the UK could soon struggle to secure fuel, even as major carriers like KLM and Ryanair begin drafting contingency plans for disrupted deliveries in May.

Commuters should prepare for overnight closures on the N2 bypass at the end of March. The works, which focus on installing new safety barriers near the High Tech Campus, will involve several slip road closures and signposted diversions.

European stock markets ended lower on Thursday as uncertainty over Middle East peace talks pushed investors into risk‑off mode. The AEX fell 1.3 percent, while oil prices surged sharply again, with Brent crude climbing more than 6 percent.

A surge of fake “traffic fine” emails is circulating, prompting a warning from the CJIB. The agency stresses that it never sends fines by email and urges people to ignore the digital messages, which link to fraudulent payment pages designed to steal personal information.

Dutch public transport has maintained its consistent 7.8 rating for the third year in a row, with ferries remaining the most popular mode of travel. While overall satisfaction remains high, passengers continue to express frustration regarding ticket prices and communication during service disruptions.