Spui now car-free

Work on the Spui’s new design in The Hague’s city centre has now been officially completed.

The street had to be redesigned as a result of the Traffic Circulation Plan (Verkeescirculatieplan / VCP). The Spui and several other streets in the city centre are now closed to vehicular traffic. 

What is special about the area is that there are no traffic lights or signs and the sidewalk and street are nearly level with each other. Only pedestrians, cyclists and local traffic (residents, suppliers, taxis and emergency services) are allowed in the area. The trams and buses have their own lane, paved with black bricks, and may drive a maximum of 15 km/hour. 

Spui stop

New tram rails were laid at the intersection between the Spui and Kalvermarkt. In addition, a new combination tram and bus stop was placed on the Spui by the Asta. Two additional bus shelters will be placed at the stop in December.

The Cyclists’ Union (Fietsersbond) has complained about the street’s new design because there are no separate paths for bicycles and pedestrians. The organisation says this is a recipe for disaster. 

Work on the Spui began in January and lasted ten months. The Spui was part of The Hague's 'Kern Gezond' project.

More information

For more information about the redesign of the Spui and the new traffic situation, go to www.denhaag.nl/vcp and click on 'deelproject Spui'.