The Prinsestraat Becomes Greener and Low-Traffic
The Municipality of The Hague is making the Prinsestraat and its surroundings low-traffic to improve traffic safety. These measures will reduce car traffic, create a more pleasant atmosphere, and enhance connections for cyclists and pedestrians. The effects of these changes will be monitored, and based on the results, a decision will be made whether to implement the changes permanently or adjust them.
The Prinsestraat and surrounding streets have long suffered from cut-through traffic, resulting in unsafe situations, congestion, and air pollution. Residents and business organizations have requested a low-traffic street, aligning with municipal plans to make the city center more attractive and sustainable. In the coming period, the contribution of these measures to a quieter and greener environment will be assessed, ensuring no unexpected negative impacts on the accessibility of other streets.
“With these measures, we are taking an important step towards a greener and safer city center with less car traffic. We listen to the wishes of residents and entrepreneurs and closely monitor how these measures contribute to a more pleasant living environment. By thorough monitoring, we can decide on a definitive layout based on the results,” says Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (mobility).
The construction of a wide cycle path on the Prinsessewal creates more space for cyclists. In the Prinsestraat, there will be more space for cyclists as car traffic decreases significantly, and extra bicycle parking spaces will be added. The public space will be greener with the installation of tree boxes and plant beds on former parking spaces, contributing to a healthier living environment and a more attractive street scene. The Hogewal will become greener with a plant bed on a former lane.
What does this mean for residents and entrepreneurs?
The aim is for through traffic to use the Teldersweg. Destination traffic to and from Kortenbos can use the Elandstraat and Vondelstraat. Destination traffic remains possible, as does supply for shops and catering within designated time slots. Although the number of parking spaces in the Prinsestraat and on the Prinsessewal will decrease, there will be sufficient parking facilities in the immediate area. The municipality has held intensive consultations with stakeholders, such as business organizations and resident groups, and has taken their concerns and wishes into account as much as possible. During an information session, residents and business organizations were able to express their opinions on the plan. Based on the feedback received, several adjustments were made, including additional tree boxes and charging points for electric vehicles.
Whats next?
During the pilot, the effects of the measures will be closely monitored. The municipality will monitor whether car traffic actually decreases, how traffic safety develops, and what impact the changes have on entrepreneurs and residents. If the results are positive, a definitive redesign may follow with even more space for greenery and cyclists. If the pilot reveals unexpected problems, measures can be adjusted. The implementation will start on September 1, 2025, and is expected to last 12 weeks. This means the work will take place after the NATO summit, causing minimal disruption to major events.