den haag vervangt pollers door anpr-camera's op de hoefkade en parallelweg
Den Haag, woensdag, 4 februari 2026.
De stad Den Haag heeft vandaag de fysieke pollers aan de Hoefkade en Parallelweg vervangen door ANPR-camera’s. Het is een experiment dat moet bijdragen aan meer leefbaarheid en verkeersveiligheid. Bewoners, ondernemers en mantelzorgers met een ontheffing kunnen gewoon doorgaan. Zij kunnen hun kenteken registreren. De komende twee jaar monitort de gemeente hoeveel auto’s passeren. Ook wordt gekeken naar het aantal waarschuwingen en eventuele boetes. In eerste instantie ontvangen overtreders een waarschuwing. Pas daarna volgt handhaving. De proef moet duidelijkheid geven over de inzet van camera’s als slimmer alternatief voor harde afsluitingen.
start of the camera trial
The city of The Hague began its ANPR camera trial on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, replacing physical barriers on Hoefkade and Parallelweg. The measure aims to enhance neighborhood livability and traffic safety. Residents, entrepreneurs, and informal caregivers who hold exemptions may continue entering the area without disruption. Access depends on registered license plates approved under the exemption policy [1]. The new system removes fixed obstacles while maintaining controlled access through automated number plate recognition technology [2].
eligibility and registration process
Residents living within the designated zone can register up to two vehicle license plates per address. Informal caregivers providing regular support may also add their vehicles to the registry [1]. Business owners and institutions located inside the restricted area qualify for exemptions as well [1]. For certain groups such as taxis affiliated with recognized companies, special transport services, and animal ambulances, tailored arrangements allow continued access [1]. Support for submitting applications is available both digitally and in person at Service Point de Burcht [2]. The municipality anticipates approximately 6,000 total exemptions during the initial phase [2].
gradual enforcement approach
To prevent immediate penalties due to confusion, authorities implemented a gradual enforcement strategy. From launch until 1 April 2026, drivers caught violating the access rule receive warning letters instead of fines [1]. Even after this grace period, repeat offenses will trigger penalties under a structured recidivism framework designed to minimize excessive fines for honest mistakes [1]. This social penalty policy was adopted following discussions in the municipal council to balance effective control with fairness toward occasional offenders [1].
monitoring and long-term evaluation
The pilot program will last two years, during which the city closely monitors entry volumes, warnings issued, and eventual fines imposed. Data collection includes daily passage counts captured by the ANPR system [1]. Results will be reviewed annually and shared with the municipal council to assess impacts on traffic patterns, resident convenience, and overall compliance [1]. Based on these findings, the city will determine whether to expand, modify, or discontinue the camera-based access control method beyond the test phase [1].
political and community context
Local politician Adeel Mahmood of political party Denk welcomed the removal of the previously contested barriers, acknowledging years of frustration among residents and business owners [2]. While expressing preference for unrestricted access across the entire Schilderswijk district, Mahmood noted progress in securing partial access improvements [2]. Some opposition parties remain cautious despite having previously advocated for replacing physical barriers with digital alternatives [2]. Community concerns persist regarding potential automatic fine systems, though the current protocol emphasizes warnings before financial penalties take effect [2].