Dozens arrested for driving under influence at Final Ground Zero festival in Bussloo
Police stopped dozens of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs following the final edition of the Ground Zero "hardcore" festival in Bussloo, De Stentor reported. In a large roadside check at the festival exit, 39 motorists were caught.
Among the drivers, two were under the influence of alcohol, while the remainder had used drugs. One driver was not impaired but was found carrying a baseball bat. Authorities imposed 24-hour driving bans, and vehicles were moved to a separate parking area.
The police operation involved dozens of officers at the festival’s only exit. While the number of impaired drivers was similar to previous editions, comparisons are difficult because the total number of vehicles arriving at the festival is unknown. The event drew approximately 20,000 attendees.
The high number of post-festival impaired drivers has long been a topic of debate. Two years ago, members of the Voorst municipal council called for stricter enforcement.
Festival organizer Ilja Reiman told the Stentor earlier this week that "hardcore" festivals are often unfairly linked to drugs and overdoses. “I can say that in all these years, thankfully—and I knock on wood—I have never had to mourn a deceased attendee,” Reiman said.
This Saturday marked the 20th and final edition of Ground Zero. Organizers cited rising costs and declining public support as reasons for ending the festival. Ground Zero was considered one of Europe’s "largest hardcore events" and the only night festival of its kind in the Netherlands.
