Get a breath of fresh air on the beach of Scheveningen during the chilly Easter weekend. It's one of the few things you can do because of the restrictions during the pandemic. But you can do that from a meter and a half without any danger to others or yourself. Scheveningen remains popular with tourists and yet often hated by the residents when beloved tourists come to visit. 

The nuisance caused by tourists is bothering many residents. Still strange for a seaside town that has to make a living from tourism, catering, theater, sun and beach weather. Fortunately, steps are being taken in the right direction. Thinking in terms of solutions often works better than thinking in terms of problems and an extensive package of measures should prevent the inconvenience in Scheveningen this summer. Residents and entrepreneurs from Scheveningen have had a lot of influence on the plans. 

safe and livable Scheveningen

'Bad weather at Easter, so the boulevard is ours again', it doesn't sound very inviting when you read this on the Facebook page of resident groups. After the municipality presented a comprehensive package of measures to tackle the increasing nuisance at the beginning of this year, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes in recent months on further refining the plans. This happened with 30 residents and entrepreneurs in a working group 'Safe and Liveable Scheveningen'. The measures have been adapted and supplemented with their input.

Residents and entrepreneurs who experience nuisance in Scheveningen can now report this via a special app. With this application they can report nuisance or an incident 24 hours a day. Alderman Anne Mulder (VVD) writes this in a plan to the city council on Wednesday. The exact date on which the app can be used is not yet known, but it is expected to be ready in the course of April.

Scheveningen - Pier during Easter 2021

“Scheveningen is the most popular seaside resort in our country and we are proud of that. But that popularity should not come at the expense of pleasant living and entrepreneurship and quality of life. The Municipal Executive is therefore very pleased with the constructive collaboration with residents and entrepreneurs. Their constructive criticism and good proposals have helped us improve our plans and deploy measures that meet a need. Together we are committed to Scheveningen. ”

Measures

The plan contains many different measures. Examples are the mobile toilet blocks that were recently placed on the boulevard, the decision to empty the waste bins more frequently and the purchase of larger waste bins for the beach. 

The closing of the quay along the Eerste harbor and the Strandweg when it is busy to prevent street races has already been successfully started during the spring break. Furthermore, unannounced flash actions and integrated enforcement actions have been planned, which can be deployed flexibly if, for example, the weather changes. In these campaigns, extra attention is paid to issues such as intimidation, alcohol and drug problems, cycling on the boulevard and noise pollution from traffic. 

In a number of streets it has been made possible to use wheel clamps or tow cars more quickly. Parking machines have been adapted so that it is no longer possible to 'extend' the maximum parking duration. Park + Bike and Park + Beach packages have been expanded and there will be extra parking places for (shared) bicycles and (shared) scooters. The signage to these locations will be implemented before the summer. Furthermore, bicycle coaches are used to show people the way and hosts will be on the boulevard. 

A buoy line will be installed in the harbor to create a safe swimming area and track and trace wristbands will be issued to prevent children from going missing. The 'house rules' are brought to the fore through social media and on site: how do we keep things safe, clean and cozy together.

More measures will be worked out in the run-up to the summer. An important one is the introduction of an app that residents and entrepreneurs can use to report nuisance or incidents 24 hours a day. Their report is then immediately forwarded to the correct authority via a 'mid-office' and the reporter receives feedback on this. This was a wish of the residents to make it easier to report problems quickly. 

Special enforcers with a nautical specialty are trained to combat misconduct on the water. They will supervise the water in collaboration with the port service, who supply the boat and skipper. In addition, an app is being developed with real-time travel information and the option to reserve parking spaces and onward transport. The aim is to have it ready before the summer. 

The working group will remain involved in monitoring the measures and the deployment of scenarios, but will also play a role in the elaboration of a renewed vision for the future of Scheveningen seaside resort. 

Also read: Boulevard Scheveningen suffers from inconvenience to visitors

mobile coffee bar Twins on the boulevard during Easter 2021
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