Rijkswaterstaat will introduce additional measures to stop lorries and coaches from crossing the weakened Merwedebrug. Road authorities plan to install warning signs at border crossings, along motorways, over carriageways, and at slip roads. Official spokespersons confirmed that designers have not yet finalised the exact wording for the new signage.
A total ban on heavy goods vehicles and coaches using the A27 bridge between South Holland and North Brabant has been in force since 18 July.
Rijkswaterstaat installed enforcement cameras during the following weekend to capture drivers violating the restriction. The Central Fine Collection Agency reported 1,118 fines issued during the first week alone. Authorities stressed that their primary goal remains reducing the number of heavy vehicles crossing the bridge to zero.
International enforcement loopholes hamper penalty system
International regulations currently limit automated enforcement, allowing the camera system to fine only Dutch-registered vehicles. Busses and lorries bearing foreign number plates require a physical traffic stop by police officers or local enforcement officials to receive a fine. Initial figures revealed that thousands of foreign vehicles crossed the bridge without penalty following the camera installation.
Officials have not deployed extra enforcement staff to conduct physical roadside stops along the route. Rijkswaterstaat continues to monitor traffic patterns and expects to announce further measures next week.
@ anp | NEWS BARINPORT
