The police in Groningen and Drenthe have confiscated 4,000 kilograms of fireworks in areas near the German border. The seizure includes both legal and illegal fireworks, according to a police press release.
The police have initiated border checks due to the commencement of decorative fireworks sales. Fireworks purchased abroad must comply with Dutch regulations, which prohibit rockets and firecrackers.
If illegal fireworks are found during inspections, the entire batch is seized. “A maximum of 25 kilograms of consumer fireworks is allowed per vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants,” the police stated.
This is also the maximum amount allowed per address. In several locations along the Dutch-Belgian border, mayors have implemented one-way traffic to address traffic congestion caused by “firework tourism.” This measure is in place until December 31, 5:00 PM.
For years, Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau have experienced issues with Dutch residents purchasing fireworks for the New Year. “It’s simply too much.
The residents have had enough,” the mayor mentioned at the end of 2022 on Flemish Radio 1. Residents also reported issues with public urination and discarded fireworks boxes and packaging.
Source: NOS