Dutch villages near the German border are experiencing significant traffic congestion as motorists attempt to avoid border controls on the A12 highway. Drivers, seeking to circumvent the controls, are diverting onto smaller, local roads, leading to disruptions and frustration for residents.

The increased traffic has caused considerable inconvenience for villagers. Residents have reported being unable to leave their properties due to blocked roads, and children can no longer safely cycle on the streets. The situation became so severe that Beek, one of the affected villages, was completely gridlocked on Ascension Day.

In response to the chaos, authorities have implemented measures to manage the traffic flow. Traffic wardens have been stationed at village entrances to restrict access to residents only. While these measures have eased the congestion in some areas, they have also led to complaints from local businesses and those who find their commutes lengthened.

The border controls themselves have been questioned. A recent report by the Netherlands Court of Audit suggested that they are largely ineffective, catching fewer asylum seekers than previous methods. Critics argue that the controls are primarily for show and that the resulting traffic problems are simply being shifted from one village to another.

Despite the inconvenience, some residents acknowledge the necessity of the measures. While the border controls disrupt daily life, they also highlight the fluid nature of the border region, where cross-border shopping and residency are common.