The Dutch village of Beek has decided to temporarily close its border with Germany to most traffic due to extreme congestion caused by drivers seeking cheaper petrol and attempting to circumvent German border controls. The measure aims to alleviate traffic gridlock and prevent potential altercations among residents and travelers.

Montferland local council, which includes Beek, will close the Eltenseweg and Zuider Markweg border crossings during peak hours. Only emergency services and agricultural vehicles will be permitted to cross.

The decision follows a period of increasing traffic, exacerbated by the Ascension holiday weekend. Residents reported being unable to enter or exit their properties, with driveways blocked and the entire village at a standstill.

Jeanette Derksen, a Montferland official, acknowledged the significance of the decision but emphasized the need to address the severe disruptions. She noted that people were delayed for extended periods, leading to increased tensions.

The influx of traffic is attributed to Dutch drivers taking a shortcut through Beek to reach the German motorway, thereby avoiding border controls and seeking cheaper petrol in Elten, Germany.

Derksen mentioned a request to German authorities to relocate border controls further onto the motorway, which was declined. She suggested the ideal solution would be the complete removal of border controls.