Enforcement allowed to 'arbitrarily' tow cars from occupied loading zones
A judge has ruled that the city of Amsterdam acted lawfully when it towed a single car from a busy loading zone, despite the driver's claims of arbitrary enforcement. The court affirmed that the municipality must manage its enforcement resources and held the driver liable for the costs because no loading activities were observed at the time.
On November 16, 2024, a driver had his vehicle towed from a loading and unloading zone on the Nieuwe Passeerdersstraat in the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam. The man challenged the city's enforcement action in court, arguing that it was unfair and arbitrary because other cars parked in the same area were not removed. He claimed he had only stopped briefly to assist his mother at a nearby nursing home and believed the restriction on parking was only active during the day.
However, the administrative judge ruled that the city's decision was lawful. The court explained that the municipality has a duty to enforce parking regulations and must manage its enforcement capacity as it sees fit, which does not constitute unlawful arbitrariness. Official reports confirmed that no loading activities were observed for at least ten minutes. Consequently, the driver remains liable for the fine and the towing costs, which currently amount to 484 euros plus potential daily storage fees.
Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
