Dutch traffic jams up 3% in 2025; Drenthe sees 85% spike due to German border checks

Traffic congestion in the Netherlands rose by 3 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the ANWB, based on TomTom data. The increase is primarily attributed to German border controls, which caused a sharp rise in traffic jams at the eastern border.

The combination of border checks and roadwork also drove a 15 percent rise in congestion during off-peak weekday hours and weekends.

Drenthe experienced the most dramatic increase, with congestion climbing 85 percent. “This is entirely due to the border controls on the A37 near Zwartemeer,” said Heleen de Geest of the ANWB. “The rise is so large because Drenthe previously had almost no traffic jams.”

In Overijssel, congestion rose 19 percent, which De Geest directly links to the German controls on the A1 near De Lutte. Congestion in Gelderland increased by 9 percent, particularly at the A12 crossing, historically the busiest in the country, where cars now stand still throughout the day. Limburg saw a smaller rise of 3 percent, with most congestion occurring during holiday periods.

Regional differences were pronounced, as new road projects reduced traffic in some areas. Congestion in Leiden dropped 80 percent following the July 2024 opening of the Corbulotunnel, while morning congestion on the A15 fell 50 percent thanks to the new Blankenburg connection (A24).

De Geest noted that while it is unclear whether there were more roadworks overall this year, certain projects were “very disruptive, such as on the A10 near Amsterdam this summer.” Work will continue there in the coming year.