Vedelaar collects opinions about transferium De Punt and concludes: ‘A lot of opposition’

“Tonight I heard a lot of critical voices,” concludes deputy Nelleke Vedelaar (PvdA) afterwards in a side room of Flora Holland.

About forty interested parties listened critically to the presentation of the province and came up with sharp questions. “I’m not here to sell anything and I’m not affiliated with the plan myself,” emphasizes Vedelaar. “I want to do good work for the province and this environment.”

The arrival of a transferium in De Punt has been discussed for more than ten years. It should provide a better public transport connection, so that people can use public transport more quickly instead of the car. In addition, road safety around De Punt must be addressed.

Opponents only have a lot to criticize about the plans. The plans would not be good for nature, not necessarily and according to some ‘megalomaniac’.

“The question is what problem the province wants to solve with the transferium,” says Phillipe Boucher of Nature Platform Drentsche Aa. “The problems of ten years ago have largely disappeared. Traffic jams at Groningen, Haren and Julianaplein have been solved. The city is easily accessible and after the introduction of the maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour, the number of accidents around De Punt has also plummeted. .”

Boucher received support from the vast majority of those present, but supporters of the plan were also there. This is how Coen Hofstee from Eelde sees opportunities. “If I look at the connection with Groningen, Assen and Emmen, there is a lot to gain. I think it is a good plan and I like to assume the positive.”

At the transferium, space would be made for about 200 parking spaces. Although the province first came up with plans for ten times this number, those 200 parking spaces are also being criticized. “First make it 50 and see if you can turn it into a growth model,” Hofstee suggests.

Boucher, in turn, says there is no need for additional parking spaces. “We have 6,000 parking spaces at various transfer stations around the city of Groningen. That is more than enough.”

While Boucher thinks that the approach to Julianaplein and the ring road near Groningen will solve the traffic problems, Hofstee sees it differently. “I think that the problem will only move more into the city center. Anyone who will soon take the bus or bicycle, that is pure profit. I see the advantages of that.”

Deputy Vedelaar is pleased with the extensive responses she received this evening. “Based on the voices from society, we could have said: we are putting a stop to the plan. But we thought that does not do justice to the proponents, who also have their opinion. This afternoon we heard it from entrepreneurs and tonight I I also heard a number of proponents, but let me state first: tonight there were mainly opponents in the room.”

Alderman Jurryt Vellinga of the municipality of Tynaarlo says he is happy that the province is once again coming to the residents with the plan. ‘His’ college seems to have little interest in the transferium at De Punt. “But ultimately that’s what the city council is about. Tonight I was mainly present to listen and to taste the sentiment among residents.”

According to Vellinga, the coalition is ‘not unanimous’ about the usefulness and necessity of the transferium. “There does not seem to be a majority in the council for the plan, but that will only become official later. Ultimately, if the council does not want this, it will not come about.”

If it is up to Commissioner Vedelaar, a decision will be made this year in the Provincial Council about the transferium at De Punt. “Let’s face it: it took long enough.”

Only when there is a decision from the province, the city council of Tynaarlo can also make a judgment. In mid-November, they will be additionally informed about the current state of affairs around De Punt.