Police gear up to combat tailgaters

22 September 2005

AMSTERDAM — Police are to take tougher action against motorists who drive too closely to the car in front of them on Dutch roads.

The number of operations to catch tailgaters will rise to 160 in 2006 compared to 120 this year, the national police service KLPD said. Each year the number of checks will rise further.

Cameras mounted on motorway bridges and in police vehicles are used to spot drivers failing to keep sufficient distance from the car in front.

A mobile police unit will pull the offender over and can show a recording of the tailgating if the driver doesn’t accept the driving was dangerous. Tailgaters risk a fine of up to EUR 370 and suspension of their licence for six months.

Earlier this week Transport Minister Karla Peijs launched the “I love goed verkeersgedrag” (I love good traffic behaviour) campaign.

It features stickers as well as radio and television adverts designed to reduce aggressive driving on Dutch roads. One of the slogans of the campaign is “I love afstand houden” (I love keeping distance).

Subject: Dutch news