Since Germany reinstated border controls after a late August attack in Solingen, the number of trucks crossing the border via the N35 near Enschede has surged by about 2000 per workweek. Christian ter Braack from the Enschede municipality has expressed concerns about the impact on traffic flow and safety, urging prompt action.
With strict checks on the A1 motorway border crossing at De Lutte causing delays, many truck drivers now opt for the N35, where there are no controls, resulting in a 20-25% increase in truck traffic since September. The N35 has a record of accidents, with 34 incidents over a 5-kilometer stretch in five years.
The municipality had proposed safety measures costing around 35 million euros, but funding was unavailable from former Minister Harbers. Ter Braack hopes the current cabinet will reconsider the funding in light of renewed Dutch border controls.
Source: NOS