Dangerous intersections in Zoetermeer: ​​this is what the municipality does and you can also contribute

This is a dangerous intersection

Dangerous intersections are also referred to as black spots or high risk locations (VOC). A VOC is a location where six injury accidents or more have occurred over a period of three years. In recent years, according to the municipality, all dangerous intersections have been tackled and they are no longer there at the moment.

However, the municipality of Zoetermeer has started a participation on road safety. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists could indicate which traffic points they consider unsafe. Their comments be used for a new one road safety action plan.

Time for change?

A dangerous intersection is tackled if the national accident registration shows that accidents occur regularly. The reports from residents also give the municipality a good picture of unsafe traffic situations at intersections and crossings. All this together can ensure that a traffic point is tackled. So please pass on your reports of road safety!

Traffic Commission decision

After a report or traffic accident, an investigation is first carried out. This may indicate that an adjustment of that location is necessary. The proposed measures will go to the traffic committee, which consists of traffic experts, a traffic lawyer and a representative of the police and enforcement.

If approved, money must be made available for the adjustments. And then the residents are informed. In some situations, traffic situations may need to be tackled urgently. Then a budget is arranged afterwards.

A threshold, traffic sign or red coating?

Take, for example, an intersection with a bicycle crossing where cyclists have right of way and are sometimes overlooked. Sometimes an unsafe situation can simply be improved by placing additional traffic signs or marking the road. But the municipality can also opt for a complete reconstruction.

Possible measures:

• Placing extra traffic signs or attention signs along the road to alert approaching traffic to the priority situation of crossing cyclists;
• Improving public lighting so that cyclists are more visible in the dark;
• Removing obstacles or greenery that obstruct the view of crossing cyclists;
• Provide the bicycle crossing with a red coating so that it stands out better (for example at the Zegwaartseweg-Ruimtebaan intersection)
• Raising the bicycle crossing on a threshold plateau;
• Implement a traffic calming measure on the road to slow down the speed of approaching traffic.

Usually a small adjustment is enough. Additional measures can be taken if necessary, such as placing stop signs. Another example is the installation of fences to reduce the speed of cyclists. Think of the Cambridgepad in the center.

I also have something to report

Six neighborhood traffic working groups are active in Zoetermeer. These groups include residents, parents and employees of schools, Enforcement Team, the municipality and Veilig Verkeer Nederland. You can make unsafe traffic situations known and provide solutions together. Look at here how to register for the neighborhood traffic working group or report an unsafe situation.