Meerssen transforms Markt into pedestrian-friendly zone: what changes for residents and visitors?
Starting 13 April, Meerssen will trial a pedestrian zone around the Markt, restricting vehicle access to improve safety and accessibility. Residents, businesses, and visitors must adapt to new parking rules and traffic flows during the six-month pilot.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 13 April 2026 |
| Duration | 6 months (until end of September 2026) |
| Pedestrian Zone Areas | Markt and Kerksteeg |
| Permitted Vehicles | Emergency services, loading/unloading (7:00–13:00), funeral/wedding cars, disability card holders, exemptions |
| Disabled Parking Spaces | 5 (2 on Markt, 1 near town hall, 2 near Vredeskapel) |
| Entry/Exit Route | Kruisstraat |
| Car-Free Area | South of Basilica (cyclists allowed) |
| Parking for Churchgoers | Proosdijpark, 't Bergske, 't Gasthoes car parks; exit cards available for mobility-impaired |
| Contact for Questions | Municipal Customer Contact Centre: 14 043 or info@meerssen.nl |
The Municipality of Meerssen is responsible for local traffic management and urban planning, ensuring public spaces are safe, accessible, and aligned with community needs. This pilot reflects its role in testing innovative solutions to balance pedestrian safety with the practical needs of residents and businesses.
Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Meerssen | Traffic pilot begins at the Markt: introduction of a pedestrian zone
Traffic pilot begins at the Markt: introduction of a pedestrian zone
On 13 April 2026, the municipality of Meerssen will launch a traffic pilot on and around the Markt in Meerssen. This pilot will test the new traffic situation that will come into effect following the redesign of the Markt and its surroundings. The aim is to create a low-traffic area around the Markt that is more attractive and safer for pedestrians and visitors.
What does the traffic pilot entail?
The new traffic situation includes the following measures:
- The Markt and Kerksteeg will be designated as a pedestrian zone.
- Only essential motorised traffic will be permitted on the Markt. This includes emergency services, loading and unloading, funeral and wedding cars, holders of a disability card, and holders of an exemption. It will also still be possible to pick up and drop off residents who have difficulty walking.
- Loading and unloading traffic will follow a fixed route across the Markt. Loading and unloading will only be permitted in the morning between 7:00 and 13:00.
- Vehicles will enter and exit the Markt via Kruisstraat.
- There will be five disabled parking spaces within the pedestrian zone (two on the Markt, one near the main entrance of the town hall, and two near the Vredeskapel). Currently, there are three disabled parking spaces. No other parking will be permitted on the Markt.
- At the level of Proostenkelder and Vredeskapel, the road will be closed to motorised traffic. This will make the area south of the Basilica car-free, though cyclists will still be able to pass through.
- Residents of the properties on the church council’s land (behind the Basilica) will be granted an exemption to drive within the pedestrian zone.
- Traffic signs will be updated for this pilot, and yellow warning signs will be installed to inform road users of the changes.
- The pilot will run for six months.
- The traffic decision was available for inspection. Any objections received by the municipality will be addressed. If necessary, the measures may be adjusted. The traffic measures will be implemented temporarily for six months, until the end of September this year. After the pilot, an evaluation will take place to assess how it went. Based on the results, the measures may be further improved. A final traffic decision will then be made, and the measures will be permanently implemented.
No parking on the Markt
The centre of Meerssen has already been designated as a parking zone. This means that parking is only permitted in the designated parking bays, and not elsewhere. Outside the disabled parking spaces, there will be no additional parking on the Markt. There are plenty of parking spaces within walking distance. Kruisstraat already has 'flash parking' spots for drivers who wish to pick up or drop off at one of the hospitality venues on the Markt. With the exception of essential traffic, no motorised vehicles will be permitted on the Markt.
Visitors to the Basilica
From the start of the traffic pilot, parking on the gravel area in front of the main entrance of the town hall during church services will also be prohibited. Arrangements have been made with the church council regarding this.
Churchgoers without a disabled parking card can park in public parking spaces nearby (within walking distance) of the Markt, including Proosdijpark car park, 't Bergske car park, and 't Gasthoes car park.
For churchgoers without a disabled parking card who have difficulty walking, the municipality (via the church council) will provide a number of exit cards for the Proosdijpark car park. The Markt is accessible from the car park via a lift.
It will also still be possible to drop off churchgoers at the Markt.
More information
For questions or more information, you can contact the municipal Customer Contact Centre (KCC) by calling 14 043 or by email at info@meerssen.nl.