Turnhout Residents Protest Traffic Plan by Blocking Streets, Causing Gridlock

Residents of Turnhout, particularly in the Heizijde and Fonteinstraat neighborhoods, are voicing strong opposition to the city's new traffic circulation plan. The first phase of the plan, implemented recently, aims to divert through traffic away from the city center and onto the main ring road. However, this has inadvertently pushed more drivers to use residential streets as shortcuts, overwhelming local roads.

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We want to prove that we are going to be the scapegoats. It's busier here than usual, but actually, it's always busy here. We hope the city realizes that we are getting a lot of traffic. Something has to change, and it's very simple: the ball is in the city's court.

Frustrated by the constant stream of traffic and the perceived neglect by city officials, residents have resorted to a unique form of protest. They are parking their cars on the street instead of in their driveways, deliberately narrowing the roads. This action makes it difficult for vehicles to pass each other, effectively creating gridlock and exacerbating the very traffic problems they are trying to highlight.

"We are the scapegoats," stated one resident, Christine, expressing the community's feeling of being unfairly burdened by the new traffic scheme. She added that while the streets are always busy, the situation has worsened significantly, making it dangerous for children. Residents are demanding that the city acknowledge the impact of the circulation plan on their neighborhoods and implement changes.

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It's three times busier than usual, and September 1st hasn't even arrived yet. So it's not going to get any better. If my grandchildren were to come here by bike, it would be impossible. It's life-threatening.

Another resident echoed these concerns, noting the increased traffic is "three times busier than usual" and anticipating further congestion once the school year begins. The protest has drawn mixed reactions, with some commuters expressing understanding and others frustration. One commuter suggested that protests should target city officials directly, like blocking the mayor's driveway, to force a response.

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It's impossible here. I think it's a very good action. I think they are right.

The residents hope their disruptive action will compel the city administration to recognize the negative consequences of the circulation plan and find a more equitable solution for traffic management in Turnhout.

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I understand the residents, but it's frustrating. Such an action has more impact on the working person, while you should have the mayor. Block his driveway with your car. Then he will notice.