The police have launched an investigation into who is responsible for dumping waste on highways in the Northern Netherlands. The protests got out of hand in several places. For example, a motorist drove into a dump on the driveway of the A32 near Meppel yesterday.
“Life-threatening situations have arisen,” said spokesperson Renate Winkel of the Northern Netherlands Police. “We want to investigate who is behind it, that’s why we started a broad criminal investigation. We talk to witnesses and look at camera images. We also call on people who have camera images or information to share it with us.”
Yesterday there were blockades in Drenthe at Meppel, Hoogeveen, Zuidwolde and Oosterhesselen. There were also dumping at Staphorst, which still cause delays on the A28 today. Traffic still has to go through the emergency lane there. The police are investigating the dumping for traces that may indicate where the waste comes from. License plates have been registered, but no arrests have been made yet.
Criminal action must be taken against hardened farmers’ actions, says mayor Karel Loohuis from his role as deputy chairman of the Drenthe Security Region. “In the Netherlands, everyone is given the space to demonstrate. A small group of activists opts for hardened actions that are dangerous. Willfully endangering road users is punishable and unacceptable.”
The mayors have also been disappointed that the protests are accompanied by threats from aid workers, employees of clean-up companies, politicians and administrators. “I find it unacceptable to intimidate employees who are at work,” said Loohuis. “My personal experience is that the majority of activists do want to talk to and can easily be consulted with them. If criminal offenses are committed, prosecution will take place.”