Merwedebrug enforcement results in 215 fines for truck drivers

Merwedebrug truck ban Rijkswaterstaat traffic enforcement bridge safety

Rijkswaterstaat and the police conducted a large-scale enforcement operation at the Merwedebrug (A27) between August 17 and August 21, resulting in 215 fines issued to truck and tour bus drivers. The operation specifically targeted vehicles with foreign license plates to improve compliance with a ban implemented on July 18.

The ban was introduced because the steel in the bridge's arch construction was found to be weaker than previously assumed, making it unsafe for heavy traffic. While the ban has reduced truck traffic by approximately 97 percent, roughly 500 heavy vehicles still attempt to cross the bridge daily.

Each violation carries a fine of 500 euros. Although the physical enforcement phase has concluded, Rijkswaterstaat will continue monitoring via digital camera registration and unannounced police checks. Authorities aim to eventually reduce the number of heavy vehicles crossing the bridge to zero to preserve the structure for other traffic types.

Entities

Gorinchem · Merwedebrug · Police · Rijkswaterstaat

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] Heavy vehicle traffic on the Merwedebrug has decreased by more than 97 percent since the ban was implemented.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The fine for violating the Merwedebrug truck ban is 500 euros.
[● 2 SOURCES] A ban on trucks and touring cars has been in effect on the Merwedebrug since July 18, 2026, due to structural weakness.
[● 2 SOURCES] Rijkswaterstaat and police issued 215 fines during a week-long enforcement action at the Merwedebrug.
[DISPUTED] Approximately 500 trucks still cross the Merwedebrug daily despite the ban.