There are plenty of road works around Hilversum station and on Hilversumseweg in Laren. Traffic controllers are deployed to steer all traffic in the right direction. They regularly have to deal with aggressive road users. “You have to be able to handle this work. But as long as you approach everyone with a smile, you will get it back,” they say matter-of-factly.
Early in the morning traffic controller Abdel is on the Hilversumseweg in Laren. His task: to indicate that people coming from Laren should make a detour. Most open a window: “Sir, what is the purpose here?”
In a good mood, Abdel approaches the road users. He kindly explains which way they can drive to get to their destination. “I am very aware that if I approach them as aggressively, things can get out of hand. I always stay nice. It also helps that I just really enjoy the work.”
Traffic controller Machiel, who works at the Schapenkamp in Hilversum, is at least as positive about his job. That is special: he has had a lot to choose from. Seven years ago he was hit by a car at work when he let school children go first.
A few hours later he woke up in the hospital. “When I woke up, the first thing I thought was, how are the kids? That’s how it works when you do this job.” The person who hit him turned out to be ‘an underworld type’, who had to warn someone about a bullet.
Machiel had to rehabilitate for six years. “But I’m back. I came out stronger. If someone swears at me with the k-word now, it doesn’t bother me. I always talk to everyone calmly. If they stay that angry, it’s not my problem. In the end they have to do what I say.”
“I was hit by a car while working. But I came out stronger”
Roberto – also a traffic controller in Hilversum – also enjoys his work to the fullest. “There are sometimes aggressive people, yes. But then I just take a step back. There is no point in getting angry back. Sometimes I say: sir or madam, what do you want me to do? Usually they are quiet .”
The vast majority of people are just nice, says Roberto. “Some come by to bring something tasty, cookies or a drink. Then I just get extra happy. That transcends all the negativity that we sometimes experience.”
Roberto will have to retire in two years, but: “As long as my legs are still working, I will continue with this. I love it.”
“As long as my legs are still working I will continue with this. I think it’s great work”