Rotterdam Police Conduct Major Alcohol & Drug Checkpoint, sieze 14 Driver’s Licenses
Rotterdam, Netherlands – Rotterdam police conducted a large-scale alcohol and drug checkpoint overnight, resulting in the seizure of 14 driver’s licenses and the revelation of several serious offenses, including a stolen vehicle and illegal fireworks. The operation, the largest of it’s kind in Rotterdam as 2009, underscores growing concerns about impaired driving and a renewed commitment to road safety.
Officers utilized a mobile respiratory analysis van to assess drivers for alcohol and drug use. Those found to be over the limit faced potential fines, official reports, or being prohibited from continuing their journey.
Beyond impaired driving, the checkpoint yielded further arrests.Police discovered a stolen car and found illegal fireworks in the vehicle of an 18-year-old driver on the Erasmus Bridge. Disturbingly, a child was present in the vehicle with a driver suspected of being under the influence. In another incident,a driver on Weena attempted to switch places with their passenger in front of officers,but was afterward found to be driving under the influence and had their license confiscated.
“The goal is zero people under the influence,” stated a spokesperson for the Rotterdam traffic police, explaining the rationale behind the intensified enforcement.
According to police and justice editor Remco Andringa, approximately 43,000 people are caught driving under the influence annually in the Netherlands – roughly 100 per day. Despite these numbers, Andringa notes the probability of being caught remains low, with large-scale checkpoints being infrequent. Statistics suggest that approximately 1 in 50 drivers are impaired on weekend nights,and alcohol remains a significant factor in fatal traffic accidents,contributing to dozens of deaths each year.
The operation drew mixed reactions from motorists. One woman expressed support, stating, “We don’t have to go behind the wheel irresponsibly, right? Why should we not expose ourselves if we have nothing to hide?” Another driver, while not personally affected, acknowledged the check caused a delay in their commute.