After a year of record-high traffic congestion, the Netherlands has launched a new campaign to encourage drivers to travel during off-peak hours. The “Spitsvrij” (rush hour free) campaign urges people to avoid driving during rush hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Dutch drivers told to avoid rush hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Barry Madlener launched the Spitsvrij campaign on January 21. With the new campaign, the government calls on drivers to travel outside rush hour where possible.

As Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days that see the most traffic jams due to many people making their way to work, these days are the main focus of the campaign. According to Madlener, rush hour free driving means travelling on Dutch roads outside the peak hours of 7am to 9am and 4.30pm to 6pm. 

It is suggested that to avoid driving during rush hour, workers should instead start their workdays from home and then head to the office later and possibly leave work after peak hour traffic. “The traffic jams in our country are more than just an annoyance: they cost us time and money, and they also contribute to unsafe situations,” said Madlener in a press release. “By choosing more consciously when we travel, we can significantly reduce traffic jams. It requires a change in mentality, but the benefits are great.”

Record high traffic congestion in the Netherlands 

In 2024, the Netherlands saw traffic congestion increase by 12 percent - the most traffic ever seen in the country. 77 percent of traffic jams occurred during rush hour.

With major road works planned for this year, these numbers are expected to be worse as extreme traffic congestion is expected in Amsterdam and the rest of the country in 2025. In an attempt to reduce this, the government is trying to get more people to travel during off-peak periods.

Aside from the Spitsvrij campaign, the ministry is also working towards agreements with employers and educational institutions for more flexible work and study hours. Another option is for these organisations to encourage workers and students to use other means of transport, such as carpooling, cycling or public transport. 

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