Police union calls for review after fatal accident during farmer protests

The police union ACP is calling for a formal review with local authorities regarding enforcement during farmer protests on highways leading to Den Bosch. This follows a fatal accident on the A59 near Heesch, where two people were killed and six others were injured in a traffic jam caused by tractors on the motorway.

The union described the deaths as “deep and deep sad” and wants to investigate how the situation occurred. While critics have targeted the police for failing to enforce restrictions on tractors, the ACP clarified that the local government and mayors are responsible for creating enforcement plans, with the police providing only advisory roles. The union stated that if given the choice, they would favor stricter enforcement during future protests, noting that protesters bear personal responsibility for the risks they take.

In response, Jos Ubels, vice chairman of the Farmers Defence Force (FDF), argued that a direct link between the protests and the accident is unjustified, stating the group aims for safety for both farmers and citizens. Police have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is ongoing.