Amsterdam is taking emergency measures to handle the strains of mass tourism, the City announced on Tuesday.
These measures will allow authorities to go after even minor infractions and collect fines immediately.
In the red-light district, the city will impose a “sweep break’’ on especially busy evenings and close off streets for cleaning on short notice.
The city is also considering closing off streets that become too crowded.
Mayor Femke Halsema undertook the measures after an alarming ombudsman report detailed the growth in mass tourism.
The report warned that the city is becoming a `jungle’, especially at night, when police and local authorities felt powerless to do anything.
Under the new regulations, authorities will get a special chip-card reader to take fines, effectively putting a high price on bad behaviour.
Public consumption of alcohol will earn $110; public urination, public disorderliness and littering will each draw a fine of 140 euros.
Amsterdam, which has a local population of around 800,000, will expect 18 million visitors this year.
(dpa/NAN)
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. [Phtoo credit: The Hill]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2018/01/Pence.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Record snowfall hits Japan [PHOTO: TW @JUMProgram]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/01/ErNwOuAXIAQCoj3.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
Discussion about this post