According to the spokesperson, the contractors have withdrawn after the threats. It is not clear by whom and how. “Together with the security region, we are now looking for a contractor who can tackle this. We expect to be working on this for hours.” The garbage was dumped on the road in the morning. Among other things, material containing asbestos has to be removed, which requires a specialized company.
The A1 is in the direction of Apeldoorn, close to the Voorst exit, near Deventer. Earlier in the day, one lane was open and traffic was able to drive past the waste. But because waste ended up on the other lane as a result, the road has been completely closed as a precaution, according to Rijkswaterstaat. Traffic can detour via Zwolle on the A35 and A28, advises the ANWB.
On Wednesday morning, straw bales, waste and materials containing asbestos were set alight on several highways. No one had been arrested as of Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, police said it would be “difficult” to track down the arsonists. The police are also following online reports aimed at companies that are helping to clear the mess of the blockades on Wednesday. There may be incitement and that is punishable, according to the police and the Public Prosecution Service.
Minister Harbers about junk on highways: this has to stop
Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure) does not have a good word for the protest actions on Wednesday on various highways. “Everyone is allowed to demonstrate, but these kinds of actions must stop,” said the minister.
Angry farmers left burning straw bales, waste and manure on several highways on Wednesday morning. According to Harbers, Rijkswaterstaat is working hard to clean up the mess and make the roads passable again. “But for the time being, that is not yet possible everywhere.”
Rijkswaterstaat previously reported that the cleanup work on the A1 at Voorst has been discontinued. This happened after the companies that had been engaged for this were threatened. It is expected that it will take hours before the road is clear again.
“Today’s blockades have damaged roads, created dangerous traffic situations and the arson was dangerous for the entire area due to the drought,” Harbers said on Twitter. Other road users, as well as people who were at work, were put at risk as a result.