Amsterdam could use cameras to enforce scooter ban; 3,500 fines handed out so far

The municipality of Amsterdam is considering using environmental- and mobile cameras to make sure scooters and mopeds stay off the bike paths. The use of cameras can increase the chance of catching scooter riders ignoring the ban. Since the ban was implemented, 3,500 fines and 360 warnings have been issued for scooter and moped riders caught on bike paths, alderman Sharon Dijksma announced, Het Parool reports.

Cameras are already being used to monitor whether scooters and mopeds stay out of the underpass of the Rijksmuseum and the tunnel under Amsterdam Central Station to the ferries. An analysis from 2016 on the use of cameras under the Rijksmuseum showed that camera enforcement is very efficient. Cameras caught up to 2.5 times more traffic offenders than traffic controllers at the scene. The downside is that the installation and operating costs of cameras are high. 

The use of cameras in the above mentioned tunnels shows that "we can already enforce with cameras and this form of enforcement also offers many opportunities for the future", a spokesperson for the city said to Het Parool. He stressed that the enforcement must be targeted. "We want to take privacy and costs into account. That is why we are currently investigating the possibilities."

Dijksma also announced that since scooters were moved off the bike paths and onto the public roads, the number of serious accidents with scooter and moped riders decreased significantly. Between April and August, there were 10 serious accidents involving scooter and moped riders, compared 53 in the same period last year. The police also recorded less serious accidents involving cyclists.