Dutch regional media outlet Omroep Brabant reports that police will not stop farmers who travel by tractor on the motorway toward Den Bosch on Friday, where a major protest is planned. Around 2,500 farmers from across the Netherlands are expected to attend the demonstration outside the provincial government building, in response to a debate over plans to revoke permits for five poultry farms.
Police in East Brabant have confirmed that tractors will not be stopped simply for using the motorway. However, authorities warn that they will not tolerate situations in which agricultural vehicles block traffic or endanger other road users.
The decision is particularly notable because, under Dutch traffic regulations, agricultural vehicles are not permitted to use motorways. Nevertheless, police say the decision not to intervene in this particular case was made in consultation with the Dutch Public Prosecution Service.
The Public Prosecution Service explains that each protest situation is assessed individually. Local authorities, prosecutors and police determine how to respond, while demonstrations are allowed to continue as long as they do not result in unacceptable or dangerous situations.
Farmers Protest Against Permit Revocations
The main reason for the protest is a debate in the provincial assembly over plans to revoke the operating permits of five poultry farms.
Organizations representing farmers’ interests are expecting a large turnout. One of them, ZLTO, estimates that around 2,500 farmers could gather outside the provincial government building in Den Bosch.
Organizers are expecting a strong turnout despite very high temperatures. Due to the heat, sufficient drinking water will be provided at the protest site.
According to information from Omroep Brabant, tractors will therefore head toward Den Bosch on Friday, while police have decided not to stop them simply for using the motorway. Officers will intervene if the tractors block traffic or create dangerous situations for other road users.
