contact person:

Mr. W. van Gijn
Bankastraat 95a
T 06 2466 3765
E willem@vangijn.com

Proposal new parking regulations

15 July 2010 – All inhabitants, businesses and institutions in the central zone of The Hague received a proposal concerning new parking regulations from the Council City Management Department in the letterbox this week. Our neighbourhood Archipel&Willemspark falls under category B in the new proposal for this particular city district:  paid parking from Monday to Sunday between 9 in the morning till 12 at night.

Various local residents have already made their rejection of the proposal known to the Council and/or the A&W Residents Association.

The board of the Residents Association is also put out by the proposal and is noting all reactions and carefully considering timely action on behalf of the neighbourhood. More information will follow.

Make your opinion known to the Council

Traffic-jam misery  - day & night - on Patijnlaan

December 2009 - De Patijnlaan is part of the CentrumRing.

Little has to be done to reduce the speed of traffic if it comes to a standstill.

YOUR SPEED …

Residents and shopkeepers on Bankastraat have been pointing out the bad habits of drivers for years. Last week, they at last got some electronic support. There is a 50 kilometre speed limit in Bankastraat and although this is pretty fast, drivers still exceed the limit. Speeds of 70 and 80 are not uncommon. A radar speed monitoring sign located just before Bankaplein gives instant feedback to drivers going too fast.

Source: HaagWestNews

Radar speed monitoring on Banka Hill

		2 January 2010 - The DSO (Dept. of Urban Development) has installed a radar speed monitoring sign at the top of Bankastraat. The location is temporary but the speed limit is certainly definite: 50 maximum!
Good	Bad: but no fine as yet.	Source: HaagWestNews

TRAM TUNNEL UNDER KONINGINNEGRACHT

Council information evening on Koninginnegracht tram tunnel

The Nieuwspoort Press Centre was so jam-packed that members of the audience spilled out into the hallway, where it was difficult to hear Jantien Tideman, project leader from the Department of Urban Development (DSO), giving her PowerPont presentation. She explained the investigation being undertaken concerning the tram 9 service, the background history to the whole business and the approach that will be applied. The meeting came about because of a council motion taken on 4 February 2010 to conduct a detailed study to prevent any decisions being taken on the subject of the tram tunne before the proper homework has been done.

A feedback group has been formed consisting primarily of representatives from organizations who have a vested interest in the project. This group has been tasked to review various alternative plans in a series of meetings (16/3, 31/3, 22/4, 10/5) and to report back with its findings and opinions. Two strong objections were voiced, however, about the conditions under which the group would have to carry out its review:

1) the extremely tight schedule for the review process, which makes it practically impossible to compile a well-grounded opinion;
2) the members of this sounding-board committee must confine their review to criteria set out by the council. Willem van Gijn (working party traffic) will represent the A&W residents Association.

Photos: AVN

If a tram tunnel is located under Koninginnegracht, the magnificent chestnut trees will probably be axed.

Invitation from the Department of Urban Development (DSO):

Council information evening on Koninginnegracht tram tunnel

Thursday 11 March 2010
20.00 - 22.00 (doors open at 19.30)
Internationaal Press Centre Nieuwspoort, Lange Poten 10

The council is about to conduct a thorough study of public transport options along Koninginnegracht. A public information evening has been organized to provide details about the project, the reasons behind the study, its aims and the approach that will be taken.

The public will have the opportunity to ask questions and become participants in a brain-storming group.

Public meeting of the VML Committee

(Transportation and Environment)

Thursday 21 January 2010 - At 9.00 at City Hall on Spui, under agenda point D1, the city council's Transportation and Environment Committee deliberated the question of a tram tunnel under Koninginnegracht.

Such meetings (in Dutch) can be followed on Internet via www.denhaag.nl/mijnraad
agenda (in Dutch)
Other council committees

NO to tunnel for tram 9, YES to tunnel for NWH

On Wednesday 3 March 2010 we will be voting for a new city council.
Scrutinize your preferred party’s election manifesto and ask: 

• Will the plan for tunnel for tram 9 be blocked?
• Is there an intergrated tunnel plan for the NWH (Main North West Arterial Route) in the manifesto?
• Is the blocking of the tunnel plan for Johan de Wittlaan in the manifesto?

All three points not only have serious consequences both for the quality of life of every Archipel & Willemspark resident and for access to their own neighbourhood, but also for every other inhabitant in The Hague.

If you want to hear first-hand what the party councillors have to say on these points, come to the specially organized meeting at the Klokhuis Communuty Centre on Monday evening 8 February.

Keep it on the ground, not under it

17 January 2010 - According to the AD newspaper, if the tram tunnel under Koninginnegracht does go ahead, tram stops remaining above ground will be near Sumatrastraat and midway between Dr.Kuyperstraat and Houtweg (NieuwUitleg).

But the stop near Sumatrastraat will not actaully be possible and the closest option will be the stop 150 metres further on at Riouwstraat (where there already is a stop). The stops currently at Laan Copes and Dr. Kuyperstraat will disappear and the one currently at Javastraat will disappear underground. And once a public transport system goes underground all kinds of other safety criteria come into play. This will probably mean that at Javastraat a new entrance will have to be built for the tram travelling to Schveningen and two lifts and escalators for this one stop: one for each direction.

The paper also states 12 particularly ancient trees and 40 others along the city side of the canal will have to go to make way for the tunnel.

Traffic chaos will also be part of the whole undertaking due to the installation of temporary sheet pile walls, well-point drainage systems, outlet reservoir tunnels and two sections of detour track 250 meteres long as well as the reconstruction of the narrow Javabrug, Dr.Kuyperdam and the Bosbrug, and possibly even the Raambrug (Laan Copes van Cattenburgh).

OV (public transport) tunnel under Koninginnegracht

21 November 2009 - The council Municipal Executive's preference for  a public transport tunnel under Koninginnegracht has led to a raft of different reactions. As yet the Archipel & Willemspark Residents Association has not formulated its official response to the council’s plans. We are posting some additional information to our original article on this website in preparation to voicing local public opinion.

Familiar sight: tram 9 above ground on Koninginnegracht.

5 November 2009

Motion from the Haagse Stadspartij and SP  on Koninginnegracht tram tunnel

During a sitting to discuss the Budget Programme for 2010-2013 (RV 120),The Hague City:

Confirmed that

• The board of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has allocated money for the tram 9 route along Koninginnegracht;
• On the basis of a quick scan the board has indicated a preference for one of the tunnel variants and wants to develop this further;
• The choice of tunnel and how precisely it can be realised on Koninginnegracht is a matter that affects the interests of not only the residents and the users/providers of public transport but also the environment, access to the city and the cultural heritage in the immediate vicinity;

and the decision-making process on the tram tunnel along Koninginnegracht, including alternative route options, must be prepared in consultation with all interested parties and culminate in a council proposal.

Joris Wijsmuller   (Haagse Stadspartij)                              Ingrid Györmörei (SP)

6 November 2009 -

Letter from Rover (association for users of public transport)

to city council re OV-tunnel Koninginnegracht

This association pointed out in a letter to The Hague city council that

1) Traffic problem

Koninginnegracht and Raamweg  (together with its intersections with Zuid-Hollandlaan, Dr. Kuyperstraat, Javastraat and Laan Copes van Cattenburch) is the biggest traffic bottleneck in The Hague.

Surveys into how the VCP (traffic circulation plan) functions, show that small-scale measure such as adjusting the frequency of traffic-lights do not help.

The situation for the tram service is also dire. During morning peak hours tram 9 runs every 4 minutes, while actual transport demand requires that it run every 3.5 minutes. The pressure on  the service will only intensify, if in the near future the growth in mobility has to be absorbed by public transport. The necessary increase in the frequency of the trams will lead to longer periods of “green” traffic-lights for the trams, bringing motor traffic to a standstill.

It is logical to seek solutions to the problem involving some kind of “underpass” approach. The obvious answer would be to put motor traffic underground and keep the tram stops on the surface. In the specific case we are discussing here, this would be the wiser choice, given all the branching-off of traffic involved.

2) Quick scan

In a quick scan DHV Group (consultancy and engineering services) investigated several tunnel variants.

There were five variations for a tunnel on the Koninginnegracht side. Each had its drawbacks:

• Future uncertainty due to impossibility of a tunnel at the Bosbrug;
• A drastic increase in the distance between tram stops and the inconvenient location of the stops meaning passengers would have to walk longer distances;
• Virtually all of the magnificent trees along the canal would have to be felled;
• Disruptive, unattractive tunnel entrances;
• Narrow section Koninginnegracht cannot accommodate both the tunnel entrances and the remaining traffic.

There is no doubt that the unique beauty of Prinsessegracht-Koninginnegracht’s would be completely compromised.

The more acceptable DHV tunnel variants such as the Koningskade proposal has the advantage that tunnelling at the Bosbrug would be possible and motor traffic turning off at intersections would not be held up by the trams. Others would be too long and disruptive, too deep, hold up traffic or encroach far too much on the residential sections along the route.

What is clear is that the budget is far too low for realising a competent and acceptable solution to the problem.

3) Shortcomings of the quick scan

Other possible solutions to and aspects of the problem have either not been given serious consideration or have been completely ignored. For example:

The letter goes on to suggest other alternative interim solutions to spending one-hundred million euros on a tunnel that does not properly solve the probleem. It also requests the city council to undertake further investigations and to halt any follow up on their preferred short "gracht-variant”.

Full text (in Dutch)

13 October 2009

Council’s communiqué regarding the OV tunnel survey

The survey into the tunnel was expressly limited to answering the question whether a tram tunnel was feasible within the one-hundred million euro budget and what sort of tunnel could be realized – a so-called quick scan.  And whether the variants suggested would meet the aim to reduce heavy traffic and the completion deadline.

Full text (in Dutch)

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Council chooses tram tunnel under Koninginnegracht

15 October 2009 – On the basis of a study carried by DHV  Group (consultancy and engineering services), the council executive has indicated a preference for a public transport tunnel along Koninginnegracht as a measure to reduce heavy traffic. According to Peter Smit (Alderman for Traffic), “The state has allocated a budget of one-hundred million euros for the construction of the tunnel, with the proviso that it is completed before the beginning of 2013. Therefore the council has now commissioned further investigation into the option for a tunnel under the canal. This means that we can then finalize the route for the tram and tunnel this autumn.”

The tram tunnel is expected to provide the solution to the worsening congestion problems expected because of the increase in tram services along the route between Central Station and Scheveningen. This busy public transport artery slows down traffic circulation along the Centrumring and the parking route. The option chosen will mean a 700-metre tunnel running under the intersections Dr. Kuypersstraat, Javastraat and Laan Copes van Cattenburch.

DHV investigated other options such as a tunnel under the present tram route along Koninginnegracht, on the other side of the canal on Koningskade/Raamweg and under the canal itself. Extending the tunnel as far as Madurodam was also considered. However only the shorter options alongside or under Koninginnegracht appeared to be feasible in relation to the budget.

NWH PLATFORM

Community organizations (including A&W) respond to coalition agreement

1 June 2010 – Thirteen community organizations representing districts bordering or in the vicinity of the NWH (North-West Arterial Route) – more than 100,000 inhabitants – sent a letter in response to the council’s recent coalition agreement.

The letter responds enthusiastically to the section on “sharing responsibility”. The community organizations will gladly contribute in the expectation that the council will not presume a priori that their’s is the only vision, and will seriously consider alternatives submitted by those most affected.

Although the organizations endorse a great many of the policy intentions, the paragraph “assessibility” does give cause for concern. Residents want to work together with the council on the basis of a clear vision about the relationship between quality of life and assessibility.

Representatives of our Working Party Through Traffic will be attending the council meeting to discuss the coalition agreement on Thursday 3 June.

North-West

Arterial Route

THERE'S

SOMETHING TO VOTE FOR!

Development of

The Hague coastline

Elections to choose the new council

take place on 3 March

Plans for a cruise terminal have been scrapped, but there

is more. How will the politicians and

councillors deal

with our concerns:

the future of the NWH?

the future of The Hague coastline

(former Norfolk Line depot/Scheveningen harbour/Kijkduin)

 

Come along to the Politiek Café on

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY

at Tennispark Berg & Dal, Daal en Bergselaan 13

doors open at 19.30

All the political parties will present their position and be available for questions.

Residents Associations The Hague Coastline

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Two types of duplex tunnels to form one continuous underpass

Autumn 2009 - The NWH Platform recently presented a plan for putting the whole of the Noord Westelijke Hoofdroute (main north-west arterial route) underground. This involves for the most part an excavated tunnel with two layers: a so-called duplex tunnel. There will be four or five entrances and exits, which must be constructed using the “cut and cover” method. But three-quarters of the 4.4 kilometre tunnel will be excavated at the estimated cost of around 400 million euros; the same amount as calculated for the council’s shortsighted “short tunnels” solution. The duplex tunnel on the other hand offers an integrated solution, which takes into account security, the health of the inhabitants and the general quality of life, as well as providing a long-term solution to the traffic problem. 

For more information on the NWH see article below.

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Political café meetup to discuss planned tunnel for the NWH

R E P O R T

16 September 2009

Haagse tunnel vision

On the evening of Monday 14 September 2009 a political café organized by the Haagse Stadspartij took place at the Christelijk College de Populier in Populierstraat. After a short official introduction about the proposed mobility bill, it was the turn of our fellow residents Guus Nieuwenhuys and Vincent Vroom to give a presentation, on behalf of the NWH platform, of their plan to put the Northwestelijke Hoofdroute (NWH = main north-west arterial route) underground.

According to the mobility bill, motor traffic is expected to increase considerably over the next 10 years. Car ownership will grow by 15 to 20% (20,000 to 30,000 cars!), and not only will new jobs increase by 30,000 but also the number of inhabitants. Needless to say this will mean heavier traffic, not only on the CentrumRing running through our district but also on the NWH (from the Hubertustunnel to Kijkduin).

The NWH Platform has been pressuring the city council for an integral plan to reduce traffic for 10 years now, but to no avail unfortunately. The only idea from the council involves a couple of short “cut-and-cover” tunnels that would cost around 400 million euros. Much emphasis is put on the tunnel under Johan de Wittlaan in particular, but only because the security of the international organizations located along this section will very likely mean a lot of financial support from the state. It won’t help the residents.

The Platform has very different ideas: the whole NWH route underground in a primarily excavated tunnel with two levels, a so-called duplex tunnel, with five exits that will have to be constructed using the cut-and cover method. Because three-quarters of the 4.4 kilometre tunnel will be excavated, the costs will be much lower. Various experts consulted estimate the costs at around 400 million euros; the same amount as calculated for the council’s short-sighted “short tunnels” solution. The duplex tunnel on the other hand is an integrated solution, which takes into account security, the health of the inhabitants and the general quality of life, as well as providing a long-term solution to the traffic problem. 

Representatives from seven of the parties on the city council: the Executive parties PvdA and VVD and the opposition parties CDA, D’66, SP and the Haagse Stadspartij were present to hear Guus Nieuwenhuys and Vincent Vroom’s competent and enthusiastic explanation. When asked for their reaction, they commented that the plan had already been presented to various parties during separate meetings. Ries Smits (CDA), Hiek van Driel (SP) and Joris Wijsmuller (Stadspartij) were all positive. Rachid Guernaoui (D’66) was in part positive, saying that D66 was a supporter of the international ring road and, where it was financially and environmentally viable, it should be underground. Jos de Jong (PvdA) and Ibo Gülsen (VVD) did not commit themselves one way or the other: yes, there were some interesting things in the plan, but it was extremely expensive and choices had to be made, etc. Heleen Weening (party chair of Groen Links, also an executive party) arrived late and stated she was against a (duplex) tunnel.

After the interval there was a lively debate among the audience of 50 to 60 people, which went on till after 22.30. The audience made it clear that it was not interested in council development programmes if they did do not include integrated plans for addressing the traffic problem. In the coming months a campaign will be started encouraging everyone in the 14 districts allied with the Platform to vote in the next council election in March 2010 for those parties who show support for the tunnel plan. The inhabitants of these districts constitute almost 25% of the population of The Hague.

Because the implementation of the Platform's tunnel plan could very well help reduce the volume of traffic passing through our neighbourhood, it will be presented again at the Archipel & Willemspark Community Council meeting on 19 November.

Wybe Taekema

A & W chairman

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Tunnel vision or Tunnelvision?

14 September 2009 – A politiek café at the Christelijk College de Populier in Populierstraat will discuss the proposed plan to divert the Northwestelijke Hoofdroute (NWH = main north-west arterial route) underground.

There will be an informal debate between politicians from various poltical parties, together with locals, about the desirabilty of putting the NWH underground (this would involve Telderstracé, Segbroeklaan and Sportlaan). This tunnel could in theory significantly reduce the amount of traffic in our district (Javastraat, Laan Copes and Patijnlaan.

Two of our local residents, Guus Nieuwenhuys and Vincent Vroom, will give a presentation on behalf of the NWH platform about various aspects of the planned tunnelling project. Your attendance as a show of support would mean a lot to them.

Date: Monday 14 September

Time:19.30

Venue: Christelijk College de Populier - 109 Populierstraat

Tunnelvision poster

Wybe Taekema, A&W chairman

Carnegielaan open to all road users

10 August 2009 – The makeover of Carnegielaan brings an end to the antiquated “curfew” for cyclists during the afternoon peak traffic. The excellent, wide cycle lanes on both sides of the street mean cyclists can now safely traverse the street at all times of the day. All other traffic travelling in the direction of Laan van Meerdervoort has been reduced to one lane.

Might this encourage motorists to find another route? Something the residents of Laan Copes van Cattenburch and Burgemeester Patijnlaan wouldn’t be sorry about.

VCP PLAN

New City Traffic Route now in force

The much-heralded (and disputed) Traffic Circulation Plan (VCP) intended to remove through traffic from the centre of The Hague, came into effect on Friday 20 November 2009 with considerable chaos.

Problems were caused by bollards that failed to retract into the ground to permit the passage of buses and emergency services, and the fact that the rerouting took motorists by surprise. After the second day, however, the Municipality announced that the situation was much improved.

Source: www.TheHagueOnline.com

INFORMATION FROM WWW.DENHAAG.COM

City Centre to become Car Free

Verkeerscirculatieplan / VCP

• Published: 05 November 2009
• Modified: 24 November 2009

The Traffic Circulation Plan (Verkeescirculatieplan / VCP) will partially restrict vehicular traffic from driving in the city centre and make the area more attractive and liveable. The plan will take effect on 20 November 2009 at 11.30 hrs.

The plan discourages vehicular traffic from driving through The Hague city centre, creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians and improving the quality of the air. The plan should also create more opportunities to develop the city centre in terms of historic design and allure, economic developments, recreation and free time.

The Spui, Grote Markt, Lutherse Burgwal and Paviljoensgracht will all be redesigned in 2010.

Centrumring

The municipality will take measures to promote a better flow of vehicular traffic on the Centrumring, which will lead through traffic around the city centre. This will initially relieve a number of traffic bottlenecks.  Cars which don't need to be in the city centre will no longer be able to drive there.

In addition the Traffic Circulation Plan will ensure that the increasing amount of traffic to The Hague is better dispersed throughout the city. As a result the city centre will remain accessible to cars which need to be there. Digital parking signs will indicate the fastest route to the parking garages in the centre.

Sectors

The VCP divides the city centre into three sectors. Motorists will be able to drive from one sector to the other using the Centrumring. There will be a connection between the sectors for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport. The municipality will work together with interested parties on developing all the measures.

Measures

• Legible and clear road signs in and to the city
• Better directions to parking areas
• Better timing for traffic lights at intersections
• New division between driving lanes and median strips

Project segments

The plan will be carried out in segments.

Contact

If you would like additional information or if you have any questions about the Traffic Circulation Plan, please fill in the VCP response form or download a map of the VCP.

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A&W’s view on council's VCP resolutions

Archipel & Willemspark residents will continue their fight against the council’s traffic plans, which are damaging the quality of life in the neighbourhood and the health of the residents. The council’s resolutions on the VCP traffic plans were open to public inspection until 6 May. The decisions taken will result in the shift of heavy traffic to the Centrumring, which also runs through our neighbourhood. If we presently want to lodge an appeal before the court, we have to have first submitted a so-called “zienswijze” to the council.

In the opinion document drawn up by the A&W Residents Association lawyer, Rupert van Heijningen, it is argues that the measures envisaged will lead to a transfer of heavy duty traffic and more cars to the Centrumring. This will mean that the air quality and quality of life will deteriorate even further. Readings on Laan Copes and Javastraat already exceed acceptable norms for air pollution. This will get worse, while in fact it is the council’s duty to see that this improves. 

A blanket policy to reduce commuter traffic to and from The Hague is virtually non-existent and ineffective. The environmental report that underlies the traffic resolutions is unsound and uses a false method of representing the figures. The survey into pollution levels is not based on readings (which are available) but on estimates.

What happens next?

The Mayor and aldermen will examine A&W’s opinion document and undoubtedly (if past experience is anything to go by) set it aside and go ahead with their resolutions. We will then lodge our appeal.

Wybe Taekema, chairman A&W Residents Association

19 May 2009

Major roadworks from mid-May till mid-November

From mid-May till mid-November major roadworks will severly disrupt traffic in The Hague city centre.

The replacement of the sewer system under Carnegielaan will affect our neighbourhood in particular. The work starts on 25 May and will continue until 25 August, and parts of the street will be closed to motorists.

For more detailed information:

www.denhaag.nl/smartsite.html?id=69219

Map of current roadworks:

http://www.denhaag.nl/smartsite.html?id=43619

Download map of major city centre roadworks

Cyclists given own space: creation of separate cycle lanes starts 25 May
As of mid-August cyclists will have their own traffic lane (on both sides of the road) along the busy Carnegielaan.

This has become possible because the motor traffic in both directions is to be reduced to a single lane. The road will be completely resurfaced after the old sewer system has been replaced. Work will begin on Monday 25 May and continue till 14 August.

Through traffic will be diverted
Carnegielaan will be closed to traffic from Groot Hertoginnelaan during the whole operation. And Carnegieplein will be closed to traffic from 25 May until 27 June. Temporary measures will ensure that homes and businesses remain accessible. Diversions will be clearly signposted.

BURGERINITIATIEF: REORGANIZATION BANKASTRAAT

Work to start on remodelling upper Bankastraat & Bankaplein

19 October - 30 October 2009

Narrowing of intersection Bankastraat/Dr. Aletta Jacobsweg and installation of central reservation .

1 November – 30 November 2009

Bankaplein/Bankastraat

-  Extension of area around fountain on Bankaplein to narrow roundabout roadway;

-  Repositioning of road and parking-bay markings.

Accessibility
While work is being carried at the Bankastraat/Dr. Aletta Jacobsweg intersection, traffic will be diverted along Kerkhoflaan. Diversions will not be necessary for the other work planned.

Parking
During the work to reposition road markings parking will be curtailed. Signs will be erected to indicate when and where cars may be parked.

Safety
Although all precautions will be taken to preserve the safety of the public; children in particular should be warned of the dangers of such work.

More information
For any questions please contact the Contact Centrum on work days between 08.00 and 20.00: tel 14 070 and ask for Mr. N. Sickenga (operations manager).

Latest information about the roadworks and other projects: www.denhaag.nl/verkeersveiligheid

Work on hoge Bankastraat postponed till November

20 August 2008 – Yesterday the work was supposed to begin on the roundabout and the central reservation at the junction at the top of hoge Bankastraat. Unfortunately, it did not happen. On inquiry, I was told work would not now start until November 2009: a delay of three months.

A small peace offering was the receipt of two sketches of the replanning of the broad section of Bankastraat. Shortly, the Traffic Working Party will be meeting with the Council to discuss the plans. 

1. Broad section Bankastraat - showing central reservation

2. Broad section Bankastraat - showing cycle paths and readjusted central reservation(s)

As soon as we have any more news on decisions taken and realization, we will make it known on the website.

Willem van Gijn

Downloads of larger scale sketches 1 & 2

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The Bankastraat show will be on the road this year

June 2009

After Alderman Peter Smit’s commitment to two of the four most important Bankastraat burgerinitiatief proposals at the city council meeting on 5 March, and his rally call to “get the show on the road”, initially everything went rather quiet on the implementation front.

In the meantime however a pedestrian crossing has been installed at the T-junction between hoge Bankastraat and Aletta Jacobsweg and the road markings repainted. In the normal course of events absolutely fine, but what about the simple, “unsurpassable barrier” that was promised!

Fortunately the Traffic Working Party has now received a detailed schedule of the reorganization of Bankastraat.

19 August – 15 September

2010

The design for the reorganization of the broad section of Bankastraat is currently in progress and work will be carried out during the major revamp planned for 2010. This section of the street must become less of a “race track” and more of a  “village square”. Such a metamorphosis is entirely viable without sacrificing parking places and without contravening the regulations regarding the emergency services. Naturally local residents will be closely involved during the whole transformation process.

Willem van Gijn

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City council curtails Bankastraat metamorphosis

Alderman Smit rounds off with "let’s get the show on the road!"

5 March 2009

The hour had come on 5 March for more than 1,200 residents of The Hague who had put their signatures to the burgerinitiatief last year and all those living in the Archipelbuurt. The Hague city council was to come to a decision on the citizen’s initiative for a safer Bankastraat to improve the quality of life along this important community artery. Initiative-takers Willem van Gijn and Robert van Moorsel took their places alongside Mayor Jozias van Aartsen in the council chamber of The Hague City Hall.

The initiative-takers were complimented from all sides for the manner in which they articulated and elucidated the wishes of so many. Initially Alderman Peter Smit adopted two of the four most important proposals of the burgerinitiatief. A simple but unsurpassable barrier will be installed at the T-junction of Aletta Jacobsweg and Bankastraat to reduce the speed of traffic. The diameter of the area around the fountain on Bankaplein will be extended. But the suggested cycle-lanes were rejected by the Alderman. The radical changes to the broad section of Bankastraat also found no favour with him: no widening of the pavements, no central reservation and no narrowing of the traffic lanes.

Fortunately Bankastraat appeared to be a familiar part of The Hague to the council members. And it is well known that Peter Smit often takes his life into his hands on the bike and chooses to use Bankastraat.

Fellow resident Bart de Liefde (VVD) called for Alderman Smit and the initiative-takers to work together to find a solution for the broad section of Bankastraat. At the request of Tymen Colijn (SP) and Wim Pijl (ChristenUnie/SGP) the council did not rule on arrangements for cyclists. This will only be considered once the cycle route from the city centre to Scheveningen has been decided. The Alderman hinted that this route did not necessarily have to have to follow Bankastraat. But should this indeed be the case then Bankastraat would have to be adapted at that point and could very well be to the detriment of parking facilities.

As far as the broad section of Bankastraat is concerned the council also went along with the initiative-takers to some extent. However for the major revamp of the broad section to be completed by 2010, the council and initiative-takers will have to tackle the problem of the renovation of what Willem van Gijn calls “our village square” together Concrete promises on wider pavements, and the narrowing of traffic lanes, in spite of pressure from Willem (even minus the central reservation), remained unforthcoming.

The city council unanimously sided with these proposals. Yet again, a small step towards the realization of the main pionts of the citizen’s initiative. In any event the die has been cast or to quote Alderman, “and now let's get the show on the road”. So the metamorphosis of Bankastraat in the next two years is definite. But this means that we, as initiative takers and community, together with the council and civil servants, the community police officers and many others, have to get a move on.

5 March 2009, Bert Kreemers

joint initiative-taker with Willem van Gijn and Robert van Moorsel

(Archipel & Willemspark working party traffic)

Bankastraat on council meeting agenda 5 March at 19.30
5 March 2009

For a safe and pleasant Bankastraat we need a full gallery during the discussion on the burgerinitiatief .
The public council meeting will take place in the raadzaal (council chamber) in City Hall and begins at 19.30. The Bankastraat initiative is point two on the agenda and the initiative takers will put their case at the beginning of the session.

Support from the many signatories of this citizen’s initiative and other Archipel&Willemspark residents carries weight; so be there if you can. If not the discussion can be seen live on politiek.residentie.net

Fietsersbond comments on burgerinitiatief

23 February 2009

In a letter to the members of the City Council dated 23 February 2009, the Fietsersbond (Cyclists Union) gave its comments on the Bankastraat citizen’s initiative and the council’s reaction to the initiative proposal.

The letter includes:

- the reasons for the Fietsersbond’s support of the initiative

- what the Fietsersbond thinks of the initiative proposals

- the pros and cons of cycle lanes and the reasons why these should be the ultimate choice.

Complete letter (in Dutch).

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Report on City Districts Committee’s discussion on the citizen’s initiative

17 February 2009

't Klokhuis Community Centre

Questions, questions and yet more questions. Members of the City Districts Committee visiting the Archipelbuurt fired one question after another at alderman Peter Smit. The subject was the burgerinitiatief, supported by more than 1,200 Hague residents - especially those living in the Archipelbuurt - to improve the safety and quality of life on Bankastraat. Questions too, about the council’s policy for implementing the proposal made by the initiative takers.

Promises from the alderman came thick and fast, but he held to the central reservation solution for the transition from Aletta Jacobsweg to Bankastraat: it will form a simple but unsurpassable barrier and its effect on driving behaviour will be assessed after one year. The area around the fountain on Bankaplein will be extended by two metres so that traffic cannot race straight into the narrow section of Bankastraat.

The alderman is however blocking road markings along the whole length of Bankastraat to delineate cycle lanes. This brought an avalanche of questions from the Districts Committee members. Apparently the effect of similar markings on Frederik Hendriklaan has been negligible. So according to Smit this would not be the solution for Bankastraat either; even though scientific research suggests otherwise. The numerous Committee members who had flocked to the Community Centre have given the alderman plenty of extra homework to do before the city council meeting scheduled for 5 March, when a decision on the initiative will be taken.

The real litmus test however will be the wide section of Bankastraat. Initially the alderman swept aside almost all of the initiative’s proposals for a safer and more pleasant wide ‘Banka’: especially a central reservation along this section of Bankastraat, which he said would cause problems for the fire brigade and hamper the emergency services. Under pressure from the Districts Committee members, in particular Bart de Liefde who happens to be a local resident, and from initiative taker Willem van Gijn, the alderman, however, agreed to give the matter further consideration. Van Gijn argued for simple adjustments to improve road/traffic safety and the quality of life. He was quite rightly complimented for his lucid and professional presentation.

Afterwards everyone was satisfied, but a sense of uncertainty prevailed about whether the most important aspects of the proposal for a safer and better Bankastraat were yet within reach. According to the initiative takers the burgerinitiatief was “threatening to miscarry”, but thanks to all the questions put by the members of the City Districts Committee, the chances of a positive outcome are more likely. This we will know on 5 March, if the entire council committee rules on the citizen’s initiative.

BK - 17 February 2009

City Districts Committee to discuss citizen’s initiative Bankastraat

17 February at 19.00

't  Klokhuis Community Centre

Celebstraat 4

All 1,177 local residents who signed the citizen’s initiative and also everyone else interested in safety on Bankastraat are cordially invited to be present at this discussion.

The initiative takers will be elucidating their proposal and it is chance for those in the neighbourhood to have their say too. Proposals put forward by the Mayor & Aldermen deviate somewhat from the original initiative and the A&W working party wants to be able to convince the Committee that our neighbourhood thinks that all wishes stipulated should be met.

Proposals concerning citizen’s initiative Bankastraat

from the Mayor & Aldermen to the council committee

Council committee to discuss the intiative 17 February

January 2009

The layout of intersection at Bankastraat and Aletta Jacobsweg will definitely be improved this year. The Bankaplein roundabout will also be narrowed and there will be clear delineation of parking and the centre of the road surface in Bankastraat. During a large-scale improvement plan in 2010, entrance and exit structures will be installed the length of Bankastraat. With these proposals the Mayor & Aldermen have given their concrete interpretation of the citizen’s intiative for a safer Bankastraat.

After examination of the traffic situation in Bankastraat and the proposals made in the citizen’s initiative, Peter Smit, alderman responsible for traffic, believes that there is now a good plan on the table for the introduction of measures that will lead to an improvement in road/traffic safety in Bankastraat.

A central reservation will be added to the T-junction between Bankastraat and Dr. Aletta Jacobsweg to prevent motorists cutting the corner here; they will have to actually slow down and break in order to turn off Aletta Jacobsweg into Bankastraat. The extension of the central fountain area on Bankaplein, thus narrowing the traffic lane, will also ensure that motorists reduce their speed. While clear delineation on the road surface will create an optical narrowing of the street and discourage speeding. And the new arrangement of entrances and exits into and out of the side streets will provide better visibility of the street and improve safety.

Not all of the citizen’s initiative proposals will be implemented. Bankastraat is too narrow for cycle paths and further investigation has suggested that a pedestrian crossing will not result in a reduction in traffic speed on Bankastraat.

The City News colomn of the www.denhaag.com website's Living in The Hague section

is now using text from our site.

Council decision on burgerinitief

27 November 2008 - The burgerinitiatief was accepted as admissible by the council committtee without any resistance. In the coming 12 weeks the substance of the initiative will be examined and Willem van Gijn of our traffic working group has been invited as petitioner to provide an explanation of the plan submitted.

10 November 2008 – The chairman of the municipal council, mayor Van Aartsen, advised the council committee to take up the Bankastraat burgerinitiatief. The council will come to a decision, concerning procedure rather than content, in their meeting scheduled for 27 November 2008. Deliberation and the decision-making process follows within eight weeks after the decision to take up such an initiative. This term can be extended by four weeks if necessary.

Should the council find the burgerinitiatief inadmissible, it is customary to submit the initiative to the council executive for advice.

More than 1,000 signatures for a safer Bankastraat

October 2008 – More than a thousand residents in The Hague have put their signature to the “burgerinitiatief” petition for a safer Bankastraat and Bankaplein since lobbying started on15 September.

The 1,177 signatures were submitted to the city council on 28 October. This sort of initiative enables individual neighbourhoods to get important issues onto the council’s agenda.

 

September 2008 – A safer and more environmentally pleasant Bankastraat is the goal of a special working party made up of local Archipelbuurt residents. By means of a burgerinitiatief (remember the Riouwbrug!) they want to convince the city council to agree to the reorganization of Bankastraat. See proposal text below.

The working party expects to be able to collect the necessary minimum of 750 signatures required for their proposal during September. Every Hagenaar aged 14 and older can sign the petition.

Residents will visit as many homes in the district as possible to gather signatures. Petition forms can also be found in the Klokhuis Community Centre in case you are not at home when working party members call.

You can also download the form if you prefer so that you can ask your family and friends to sign too (NB: only residents of The Hague aged 14 and over are eligible to sign).

Please deliver the completed form to the Klokhuis (Celebesstraat 4) or send it to Willem van Gijn: Bankastraat 95 A, 2585 EJ Den Haag. 

To the city council of The Hague

Burgerinitiatief  Bankastraat (Archipelbuurt)

Initiative summary

Reorganization of Bankastraat through various means to improve road safety:

1. Changes to Aletta Jacobsweg / Kerkhoflaan / Bankastraat intersection so traffic entering the street is channeled via a roundabout;

2. Reducing speed on Bankaplein by extending area around fountain thus channelling and slowing traffic;

3. Stippled road markings along the whole length of Bankastraat to make motorists more aware of cyclists and where possible (Bankaplein) installation of actual cycle lanes;

4. A continuous pavement along the length of the broader section of Bankastraat and the narrower section, varying in width, with exits from Sumatrastraat  and Soendastraat.

5. Broad section of Bankastraat: a single traffic lane for traffic entering the street, creation of a central reservation and a widening of the pavement area;

Explanation of proposal

Bankastraat has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. The volume of traffic has intensified because motorists and delivery vans use the street as a short-cut route. And the wide expanse of asphalt encourages speeding and double parking.

Although visibility at the intersection with Aletta Jacobsweg / Kerkhoflaan / Bankastraat is poor this does not have the effect of making motorists reduce their speed. Several serious accidents sadly prove this point.

Bankastraat serves as the hub of the neighbourhood but is coming under increasing pressure because of the situation described above. The victims are the residents, retailers and pupils attending the Archipel School as well as visitors to the two local cemeteries who use the street on a daily basis.

The proposed measures will improve road safety both by reducing the volume and the speed of traffic. Not only will Bankastraat become safer but the quality of life on the street will improve, and will thus have a positive effect on the whole district, including the retailers. 

Global estimate of costs

Around €600,000: estimated by DSO verkeer & infrastructuur (city development department)

OBJECTIONS TO RAAMWEG BARRIER AND ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL

Facelift for footpath along Koninginnegracht

Handling of appeal

17 February 2009 – A large delegation of objectors to the barrier on Raamweg were present at the hearing of the council’s Complaints Committee.

United Raamweg residents, Benoordenhout Residents Association, and the heads of the Aloysiuscollege and Vrije School gave an excellent presentation.  As hands-on experts, they illustrated their alternative proposal with clear reasoning and an overhead beamer.

The need for a makeover of the footpath along the canal is included in this proposal. The Complaints Committee’s decision is expected in six weeks time.

P r e s s   R e l e a s e

"United residents on Raamweg"

No barrier along central reservation of Raamweg!
The council Complaints Committee looks into alternative proposal

On Tuesday 17 February the council’s Complaints Committee will be considering the objection lodged against the building permit for a six-foot high barrier running for more than 350 metres along the central reservation of Raamweg. This high fence is intended to prevent pedestrians (primarily pupils of the Aloysius College: AC) crossing Raamweg at the point opposite the Riouw(cycle)brug. The objections were lodged by the “Verenigde bewoners Raamweg”. The occupants of the homes and businesses on Raamweg have come up with an alternative proposal that will provide both an attractive and a safe pedestrian route that makes the barrier on Raamweg superfluous.

Their proposal has the backing of the head of the AC, Mrs Rola Hulsbergen and the Residents Associations of Benoordenhout and Archipel. The headmaster of the Vrije School, Mr Wout Balsma, supports the alternative plan, too. He believes the barrier will only create an inconvenience opposite the Hubertus viaduct, where many Vrije School pupils cross Raamweg. Up until now the council has held no discussions with the schools and has rejected the widely supported alternative proposal of the Raamweg occupants.

During summary proceedings, brought by the residents, the preliminary injunction court decided that further investigation would be necessary in order to determine whether the building permit had been correctly issued. In addition the judge has expressly advised the council to consider finding a solution that meets the interests of all parties concerned.

The Benoordenhout Residents Association, the United residents of Raamweg and the heads of the Aloysius College and the Vrije School will all be presenting their individual points of view before the Complaints Committee hearing.

Additional information material will be distributed to the Press during the hearing.

Hearing date:      17 February 2009
Time:                     11.10 uur
Location:              Room A04.30 At the City Hall, Spui 70
 

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"United residents on Raamweg"

Facelift for footpath along Koninginnegracht

August 2009 -  It has actually happened. The footpath that runs between Riouwbrug and the bridge near the Hubertusviaduct, which had become so dilapidated, has been taken in hand. It is wider, has an even asphalt surface and is protected on both sides by green railings; zigzagging now and again to accommodate the tall poplars lining the way. The (temporary?) manner of renovation implemented where it starts by Riouwbrug is less attractive. Safety is paramount for the council: all told between the houses along Koninginnegracht and those on Raamweg, you will encounter seven green fences. While the Raamweg residents are unhappy with the barrier running along the middle reservation of their road, the Archipelbuurt is pleased with the refurbished footpath.

 

3 November 2008 - The cycle bridge Riouwbrug has been operational for almost a year now. Schoolchildren however cross it on foot from the tram stop. They then cross Raamweg taking all kinds of risks. The council wants to stop this by installing a barrier on Raamweg. Local residents (the 'Verenigde bewoners van de Raamweg') are protesting and have submitted an alternative plan. The first response has been received from the council’s City Management Service (DSO) team manager, Louis Eggen.

 
"It won’t be a wide footpath because the trees growing there do not allow this". Mr. Eggen said the council would carry out the work quickly because this should have been arranged much sooner. The Residents Association is grateful to the “united residents at nos. 37-45” who brought the matter to the council's attention!

Safe crossing over Raamweg for pedestrians
The united residents nos. 37-45” submitted an official objection to the 400 metre-long barrier, the height of an average man, being installed by the council in front of their homes. This high fence is intended to prevent pedestrians crossing Raamweg at the point opposite the Riouw(cycle)brug.

The residents had drawn the council’s attention to the dangerous situation created by the construction of the bridge at the beginning of 2008. Pupils of Aloysius College (AC) alight from the tram on the Riouwstraat side and walk over the bridge to cross Raamweg into 't Hoenstraat and onto school, often taking risks and putting themselves in danger.

After the warning the council erected temporary fences on Raamweg adjacent to the cycle bridge. The final “solution” however was to be the high barrier along the central reservation on Raamweg.

Installation has now been suspended while the council obtains the necessary construction permit and an investigation is made into whether the work violates official rules as this a conservation area (beschermd stadsgezicht).
The Raamweg residents have suggested an alternative and more “positive” plan to the rather “negative” council approach of stopping the school pupils from crossing the road. i.e. make the safer route more attractive to the pupils. Their proposal has the backing of the headmaster of the AC. 

Proposal

1) A thorough renovation of the footpath running from the Koninginnegracht/Riouwstraat tram stop to the Hubertusviaduct, where there is a footbridge and zebra crossing.  
2) Create an extra entrance to the AC on Waalsdorperweg (adjacent to the playground) via a bridge over the narrow canal running parallel to Waalsdorperweg. Pupils will always choose the shortest route to school from the Riouwbrug tram stop, i.e. via the improved footpath to a new side entrance to their school.
3) The high fence along the central reservation on Raamweg therefore becomes redundant.

The Archipel & Willemspark Residents Association fully supports the 'Verenigde bewoners Raamweg' proposal.

For ‘concerned’ cyclists in our district

With immediate effect Antoinette van der Maas will be our very own local contact person on behalf of the regional Eerste Nederlandse Fietsersbond (ENFB.

Every district in The Hague now has a local representative and together they will have far more effect than just a single voice.

There is plenty about cars and ‘traffic’ in general in the Handboek Openbare Ruimte (council’s guide to public space) but it needs a chapter on bikes. The concerns of the cyclist - that environmentally friendly and oh so vulnerable road-user - do not feature at all: hence this campaign.

There is room for improvement on the cycling front throughout the city. But the Union cannot be everywhere at once when the complaints or suggestions come in about cycling safety and enjoyment. This is why people like Antoinette have joined forces with us to provide a contact point in your immediate neighbourhood whenever there is something you would like to report. She will do her best to raise the matter with the council authorities either directly or via the ENFB.

So e-mail apen@bart.nl when you have something to report.

Near miss on the bike?

Sound the alarm!

Every neighbourhood knows the difficulties faced by cyclists. Ours too. Can’t the traffic lights remain green a bit longer for the cyclist? Why don’t the police take more action against motorists who park on the cycle lane? Can’t the visibility at this junction be improved for cyclists? Why isn’t there more room to accommodate cyclists turning off at junctions?

Do you regularly encounter this sort of problem when cycling? Then report it at www.fietsindeknel.nl! The Hague regional Fietsersbond (Cyclists Union) will list the complaints and then raise them – often booking positive results – with the municipal council.