Justice Minister David van Weel is calling for a single national policy on how local authorities handle tractors on motorways. Speaking ahead of the Cabinet meeting, he acknowledged that the current approach—where mayors, police, and the Public Prosecution Service decide locally whether and how to intervene—is failing when farmers drive tractors onto motorways.
“If you can drive through several different regions in just one kilometre on a tractor, I completely understand the need for better national alignment,” said Van Weel. He confirmed he will hold further talks with the Public Prosecution Service and regional emergency services to coordinate a strategy.
The Public Prosecution Service previously announced that it intends to criminally prosecute farmers taking tractors onto motorways. According to Van Weel, that statement was “a first step” towards establishing a nationwide policy.
Fatal Collision
The push for a unified approach follows a tragic rear-end collision last week in a traffic tailback caused by slow-moving tractors on a motorway. A 71-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman from Oss were killed, whilst six others sustained injuries before being discharged from hospital the following day.
Police have arrested a 34-year-old female driver from Nistelrode on suspicion of causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving. She was released following police questioning.
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