On the N36 between Almelo and Ommen, accidents frequently occur, especially due to head-on collisions. Therefore, the Public Prosecution Service (OM), police, and Rijkswaterstaat are jointly intensifying enforcement efforts, including tackling drivers phone use.
Increasing Safety
In addition to the planned road layout adjustments by Rijkswaterstaat, other parties and measures also contribute to improving traffic safety on the N36. Since summer 2025, a focus flash camera has been installed along the road.
The focus flash is a digital camera mounted above a road. Thanks to smart software, the camera detects if a driver is holding a mobile device while driving. If so, the focus flash sends photos to the Central Judicial Collection Agency.
These photos are reviewed by a special investigating officer. If the driver was indeed holding a mobile device, a fine of 430 euros is issued. Over 1800 fines have been issued in six weeks.
The polices MONOcams also detect if drivers are using their phones, but a police van with an officer must be present to review the footage. The focus flash is an autonomous device that does not require police deployment.
Raising Driver Awareness
When the Public Prosecution Service announced it was seeking new locations for focus flash cameras, we proposed the N36 among others. And not without reason. The N36 is a very busy road without physical lane separation, making distractions like phone use quickly lead to dangerous situations. With the focus flash, Rijkswaterstaat and the OM urge drivers to put their phones away and drive more safely with full attention on the road.
Additionally, we are currently restarting the behavioral approach. Through social media and roadside signs, motorists are reminded of their role in traffic safety. Future campaigns will emphasize the importance of keeping distance and giving space to other road users when merging.
Extra Police Controls
The focus flash and behavioral approach are not the only measures to enforce traffic rules more strictly on the N36. The police in Eastern Netherlands will also increase enforcement efforts. In the short term, the police aim to conduct two to three controls per week here. Using officers, drones, cameras, and other technical tools, the chance of being caught after a traffic violation is increased.
The OM, police, and Rijkswaterstaat expect to see several concrete changes on the road in the coming period: fewer speeding violations, fewer fines, and especially fewer traffic accidents. The ultimate goal is for everyone to drive relaxed from A to B and arrive home safely.
