Central Court of the Netherlands (District Court of Utrecht) has reversed an environmental zone fine because the signposting around the zone is unclear. These are the signs that indicate that the environmental zone in Utrecht is approaching. The sub-district court detects a great deal of uncertainty in the signposting. The argument of the Public Prosecutor that this is generally known, was swept aside by the cantonal judge. As a result, the victim does not have to pay the 90 euro fine.
"Next proof of carelessness"
Director Peter Staal of the KNAC sees in this verdict the umpteenth proof that the environmental zone in Utrecht has been rushed and carelessly introduced. "Thanks in part to this judgment, we at KNAC are looking forward to even more confidence in the case that we have brought before the Council of State." That decision is expected at the end of this year.
"Judgment leading to reimbursement of all fines"
According to the KNAC, the recent decision of the judge must be a reason for the municipality of Utrecht to repay all the fines imposed. Staal: “After all, this lack of clarity has existed since the introduction of the environmental zone in Utrecht. They have repeatedly indicated this. Such action by the municipality prevents a huge hassle. As a victim, you are now actually forced to go to the sub-district court. It would be much better if the municipality of Utrecht learned from the recent ruling. And from those lessons, you decide to reverse all fines. "
Stacking of judgments must herald the end of the environmental zone in Utrecht
Earlier, the Utrecht court ruled in favor of KNAC and SSLU in another case. The KNAC and SSLU stated therein that the substantiation of the environmental zone in Utrecht is not good. The judge annulled the traffic decision, but unfortunately left the legal consequences intact. “The stacking of judgments should convince the municipality of Utrecht of the fact that it must lift the environmental zone in Utrecht. The KNAC is indeed for clean air, but not through expensive and useless environmental zones, "says Staal.