Badhoevedorp residents furious over planned 'traffic cut': 'It was already decided'

Residents of Badhoevedorp recently attended a heated public meeting to protest the municipality's plan to install a traffic cut on the Zeemanlaan. The measure, intended to clear the center for an car-free village square, aims to remove through traffic. Despite 63 percent of residents voting against the proposal in a recent survey, the local government maintains that the decision, which stems from long-term traffic planning dating back to 2008, is final. Residents expressed significant frustration, feeling that their input was ignored and that the project was decided by officials in Hoofddorp without proper local consultation.

Concerns regarding the project extend beyond the decision-making process to potential safety and traffic displacement. Many fear that diverting cars from the Zeemanlaan will force traffic into surrounding residential streets, increasing risks for pedestrians and children. While traffic advisors suggest the infrastructure can handle the shift, the municipality acknowledges they cannot fully predict future traffic patterns. The city plans to proceed with the closure and monitor the impact, considering future adjustments like traffic bumps if necessary. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the new village square expected by 2031.