Everything has a price tag. Also on waste bins, street lamps and bus shelters. In Roosendaal they take that very literally. In a number of places in the city, street furniture will actually have a price label from Friday. With the campaign ‘Keep everything intact!’ the municipality wants to prevent items from being destroyed during New Year’s Eve.
They look like regular price tags in the supermarket, only in XXL size. In a bus shelter in the Lindenburg shopping center, the yellow label immediately catches the eye. The price on it? Five thousand euros. A little further on the value of a lamppost is fifteen hundred euros. The waste bin is the cheapest at seven hundred and fifty euros.
During the New Year, municipalities have to deal with tens of thousands of euros in mainly fireworks damage. According to the municipality of Roosendaal, this is not only a major annoyance, but also a complete waste of money for which all residents ultimately pay the bill.
“I don’t think those young guys will be impressed by it anytime soon, but we’ll see.”
“I thought the municipality was having a sale,” laughs a woman at the oliebollen stall in the parking lot in front of the Jumbo. “The cards are certainly noticeable, but does it help? I don’t think those young guys will be impressed by it anytime soon, but we’ll see.”
Although the damage to street furniture in Roosendaal has decreased in recent years, the municipality believes that there is always room for improvement. That is why they have also provided labels with a QR code that should change the minds of potential vandals.
If they scan instead of demolish, they have a chance to win a gift voucher. “And something special happens. What exactly that is, we will keep secret for a while,” the municipality said.
“New Year’s Eve should be a party for everyone.”
A similar campaign proved successful in Katwijk, South Holland. Less damage to public property was reported and residents experienced less inconvenience.
Mayor Mark Buijs is therefore enthusiastic: “We hope to make our residents, young and old, aware of the value of public space and how important it is to protect it together in a fun way. Destroying other people’s things is really not okay. New Year’s Eve should be a party for everyone.”
Statement
I think this price tag campaign will help keep things intact.