'Mosquito' could be phased out

Friday 21 November 2008

The use of the so-called mosquito – a small box which emits an irritating high-pitched tone only audible to youngsters – seems set to be phased out, the Telegraaf reports on Friday.

The box is used by over a hundred local authorities to stop youngsters from congregating on street corners and in squares.

But home affairs minister Guusje ter Horst told parliament yesterday that the use of the apparatus may well be against the constitution and that she is not planning to change any laws to allow it.

Ter Horst said councils had enough other means at their disposal to counteract the nuisance caused by groups of youngsters.

‘If councils persist in using it, they may end up in court,’ Ter Horst was reported as saying. But it is up to councils themselves to decide whether or not to remove the boxes or let the courts decide, she said.

Earlier this year, left wing parties failed in an effort to have the mosquito banned.

© DutchNews.nl

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