The municipality of Roosendaal aims to deter fireworks vandals this year by attaching large price tags to street objects. A lamppost is marked at 1500 euros and a bus shelter at 5000 euros.
Roosendaal hopes this will raise awareness about the material damage fireworks can cause. A woman at a supermarket parking lot in Roosendaal jokingly said, “I thought the municipality was having a sale.” She noted the tags are noticeable but doubts they will influence young people, as reported by Omroep Brabant.
Mayor Buijs is optimistic, especially after similar campaigns succeeded in places like Katwijk. “We hope to engage residents humorously about the value of public spaces and the importance of protecting them together.
Destroying others’ property is unacceptable. The New Year should be a celebration for everyone.” Though damage to street furniture has decreased in recent years, Roosendaal continues the campaign because playground equipment, traffic signs, trash cans, and bus shelters are still damaged annually.
The municipality calls it “pure waste of money that ultimately affects all residents” and notes that funds saved on repairs can be redirected to truly important matters.
Source: NOS