Amsterdam gets tough on coaches

Amsterdam is doubling down on its coach exclusion zone, having installed ten CCTV cameras on major northbound routes into the city, and ended an exemption for 7.5t+ wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The cameras have gone on to Weesperstraat (S112), Kattenburgerstraat (S116), Valkenburgerstraat, Nieuwe Prinsengracht and Nieuwe Keizersgracht. Fines for entering the city with a 7.5t+ coach can be as high as €1,100.

To keep operators and drivers informed, the city has taken down its old Tour Buzz website and created a new one, HERE, which explains set-down, parking, height limits, recommended routes and carries updated roadworks information. The city is also asking coach operators to consider getting groups on to the metro at Holendrecht and Lelylaan stations, which get tourists into the city in 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, it suggests using coach stops on Gustav Mahlerlaan near the Amsterdam Zuid railway station. From there you can take the metro to the city centre in seven minutes.

The Prins Hendrikkade stop will be closed from March 31. The stop is now no longer available for coaches. Only Hop On Hop Off may use this stop until March 31, but 24 bays have been added on De Ruijterkade East, on the S100 east of Amsterdam Central rail station.