Turnhout Police Seize 17 Fatbikes and E-Scooters for Dangerous Riding at Fair

Turnhout police have seized 17 e-scooters and 15 fatbikes that were being ridden on the town's fairgrounds, despite an explicit ban. The confiscations occurred during a targeted operation to address traffic nuisance.

Mayor Hannes Anaf stated that the ban is in place because the vehicles pose a danger and create a sense of impunity. He emphasized that the city is taking a firm stance against "cowboy behavior" to ensure fairgoers feel safe. The police will continue to monitor the fairgrounds in the coming weeks and plan additional enforcement actions at the start of the new school year.

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It is dangerous and creates a feeling of impunity.

Last week, Turnhout announced its intention to intensify measures against cyclists, fatbikers, and e-steppers on the fairgrounds. The recent operation resulted in the seizure of 17 vehicles, primarily fatbikes and e-scooters, from individuals who ignored the prohibition. Two electric bicycles were also impounded. This action follows a separate traffic control operation last Wednesday, where Turnhout police confiscated 17 vehicles, including a car, for various offenses.

"There is a reason why we are taking such strong action," Mayor Anaf explained. "These are people committing serious offenses, such as riding multiple people on a fatbike while using a mobile phone. They endanger not only themselves but also others." He added that many residents are rightly annoyed by the reckless riding of fatbikes among fair visitors, and this behavior will not be tolerated.

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Many people are rightly annoyed by fatbikes weaving between fairgoers. We are cracking down on that cowboy behavior. There must be no sense of impunity.