Keep Amsterdam clean: No old cars, please

Amsterdam may be the city where anything goes (well, until recently, it seems), but the tolerance ends at the Ringweg — the circular freeway surrounding most of Amsterdam [Google Map]

Sources say that plans for a clean air campaign to be presented next week by aldermen Tjeerd Herrema and Marijke Vos will include the announcement of a feasability study that looks at the possibility to deny old, polluting cars entry to the area within the Ringweg.

According to Amsterdam daily Het Parool, cars from before 1992 will be targeted. We’re talking several tens of thousands of cars, including oldtimers.

The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) says Amsterdam is allowed to deny entry to certain categories of cars.

Under certain circumstances, owners of the ‘dirty’ cars may be able to request some financial compensation — which will be taken from the €30 million extra the city expects to receive from recently raised parking fees.

Park and Ride

Even under the best of circumstances — and even if your car still smells of fresh leather — driving in Amsterdam is not a good idea. It is at best an exercise in frustration.

A fantastic alternative is to park your car at one of the Park + Ride locations surrounding the city. You can then continue your journey into the city by public transport.