Merwedebrug enforcement: Police target trucks violating freight ban

Rijkswaterstaat and the police have launched an enforcement campaign against trucks violating the freight ban on the Merwedebrug near Gorinchem. The ban, implemented on July 18 due to weakened steel, aims to protect the bridge's structural integrity. While freight traffic has decreased by over 95 percent—from approximately 18,000 trucks per day to around 570—hundreds of violations still occur daily.

Authorities are conducting physical inspections to issue fines of 500 euros. This method is specifically intended to target non-EU vehicles, which could not be fined via the existing camera system used for European license plates.

Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) has expressed support for the action, emphasizing the need for a level playing field. The organization noted that while Dutch carriers largely comply with the ban and endure daily detours, consistent enforcement is necessary to ensure safety and prevent further damage to the bridge. Construction on a replacement bridge has already begun, and the current structure will remain in use until the new one is completed.