Dutch farmers' protests cause severe delays on roads across the Netherlands
By Victoria Séveno
Protests are causing chaos on roads across the Netherlands as Dutch farmers take a stand against the government's nitrogen policy. Major traffic jams are being reported across the country as farmers make their way to The Hague.
Traffic jams and delays across the Netherlands
A number of demonstrations took place throughout the day on Monday, as farmers blocked highways with tractors and staged a protest outside the home of Christianne van der Wal, the Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen.
Today, the chaos continues, as hundreds of farmers establish roadblocks and set fire to bales of hay on Dutch roads. At midday, the Rijkswaterstaat has already reported huge delays on major highways across the Netherlands - here's a quick run down of what we know so far.
Protests on the A12 and A7
The emergency services have reported that lanes are closed on the A12 after farmers set fire to hay bales on Tuesday morning. There are traffic jams in both directions between Gouda and Woerden. Further disruption was caused nearby after a truck broke down near Nieuwerburg.
Similarly, considerable delays were also reported on the A7 this morning after hay bales were burned in Wijdewormer, hindering visibility and affecting traffic in both directions.
Delays for drivers on the A2, A15, A28, and A31
Traffic jams have been reported on the A2 between Beesd and Breukelen, on the A15 in Andelst, and on the A31 between Harlingen and Leeuwarden.
Traffic has come to a standstill on the A28 in Lankhorst, in the direction of Zwolle. Protests have established a roadblock with tractors, and traffic is being redirected via the A6, A7, and N50.
Congestion on the A10 (Amsterdam Ring)
In addition to the disruption caused by protests, over 25 kilometres of traffic jams have been reported on the A10 as a result of four accidents on the inner ring road around Amsterdam. Drivers should expect significant delays, especially at the Amstel interchange.
Dutch Prime Minister criticises farmers' "dangerous" protests
Unsurprisingly, drivers - especially those required to commute to work or drive for their jobs - have expressed their frustration about the delays faced as a result of numerous protests over the past week.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also spoken out against the protests. "It is not acceptable in this country to allow dangerous situations or drivers to be intimidated," Rutte said in a statement on Tuesday morning. He went on to defend the environmental goals and policies that have been set out by the Dutch government.
Want to know more about why Dutch farmers are protesting? Click here to read all about the government’s nitrogen policy and the Dutch farmers’ protests.
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Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association in London. She has a love for all things movies, animals, and food. Read more