Groningen Invests Over 2.1 Million Euros in Road Safety Improvements
Provincial subsidies help municipalities implement traffic safety measures, aiming to reduce road casualties and create safer streets for all residents.
The province of Groningen is making over 2.1 million euros in subsidies available for road safety projects, allowing municipalities to enhance local roads and improve safety for all road users. This initiative is part of Groningen’s ongoing effort to reduce traffic accidents, particularly among vulnerable groups such as cyclists, children, and the elderly. The province has set ambitious goals—to halve road casualties by 2030 and ultimately reach zero traffic deaths by 2050.
Supporting Local Municipalities
This is the third round of the subsidy scheme, which helps municipalities implement road safety measures more quickly. One example of how this funding is being used is in the municipality of Midden-Groningen, where a grant of €75,000 is supporting the redevelopment of Scheemderstraat in Noordbroek.
Scheemderstraat, a key access road to the village, has long been affected by speeding vehicles and heavy freight traffic, creating unsafe conditions for residents. Thanks to the subsidy, several improvements are being implemented, including:
Reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h
Redesigning the street to enhance safety
Improving intersections
Installing clear signage to mark built-up areas
Adding greenery to interrupt long sightlines and encourage slower driving
Alongside these physical changes, awareness campaigns will be launched with signs and flyers to inform residents and road users about the new traffic rules.
A Step Toward Safer Roads
Provincial Executive Johan Hamster emphasizes the importance of these projects: "With this subsidy scheme, we support municipalities in making their roads safer. Our goal is zero traffic victims by 2050. Projects like the redesign of Scheemderstraat directly contribute to this by improving road layouts and reducing speeds."
Midden-Groningen Alderman Ploeger highlights the added benefits: "This redevelopment project is a great example of making ‘work with work.’ By combining necessary sewerage improvements with road safety measures, we’re not only enhancing infrastructure but also making the street safer for our residents. Thanks to the provincial funding, we can implement these changes faster than expected."