Is this world controlled by money worshipping and anti families people? This guy can comment based on his capacity as a dutch citizen instead of police chief.

I am surprised by the comments from the minister! His statement is equivalant to: a higher executive in a company saying to his managers, do not present your opinions, you dont worry about policies of the company, just carry out the strategy we put in place!!!
Police chief did not present his opinion for something sensitive or something concerned with national security, so why he need to shut up?

'Lawbreakers themselves cite high fines as the most effective sanction against driving too fast.' That's a joke! I'm pretty sure that points on their driving licence would be even more effective. Then a potential ban from driving may slow them down. But, of course, more money from the driver is the driving force of the justice minister . . . . Not safety.

why no one does like in the Nordish countried ( Finland-Sweden ecc...)
you get a fine .....and the final amount is based on you annual incoming.
so poor peoples wont pay too much and rich peoples wont pay to less
but ...wait ....this is too smart , it can't be implemented :P

could it be that the issue is so sentitive, not because it is a safety issue but a revenue issue?

I think Mr Opstelten is punching way above his weight....

Of course he was "slapped down" - this police chief had the audacity to tell the truth, and put into jeopardy an important cash-cow. Fleecing the road user is an industry in itself.

This Opstelten says "lawbreakers" cite high fines as the most effective sanction. Granted, he accepts the advice of criminals on setting policy. But oddly enough, this didn't stop them becoming "lawbreakers", did it?

Money continues to gain higher status all over the world, but not here. It's not possible anymore. Lonely top. And it is mirrored in legal system. I have a feeling that crimes which brought financial damage (except by bankers and polititians) are often punished harder than rape or even murder. And other way: hefty fine is considered as too tough punishment for "just" bringing in danger lives of people.

The electronic road signs with speed flashing up plus happy/sad faces,and on dangerous corners 'you are driving too fast' work very well.Just from observation I notice that most drivers welcome the reminder and immediately cut their speed.Similar 'you are driving too close' and 'No horns please' signs would be good,giving people a reminder,and those that wish to persist deserve the fine.This way you are working towards safer roads and not towards filling the bank account.Perhaps the topic is not about the size of the fine,but the indiscriminate use of power to gain revenue.It is rarely the serial bad driver that gets targeted, they know where the cameras and traps are.

@Gary, I totally agree with you."points on their driving licence would be even more effective. Then a potential ban from driving may slow them down. But, of course, more money from the driver is the driving force of the justice minister . . . . Not safety."

I'm shocked the minister, in his capacity, said something like that. The Police Chief has the right to voice his opinion as a citizen and a road user, just like any other citizen does. If police officers feel the fines are too high, and therefore feel reluctant to issue them to traffic offenders, does that improve road saftey? You answer that, Mr. Minister.

Opstelten blows more smoke at his dance partner as they remind the public of the bite in today's traffic tickets. Sounds about right. Shiver me timbers.

The Justice minister Ivo Opstelten, is driving the main issue away from the core issue the Police Chef meant. The Police Chef is referring to fines in general and not just over speeding. How can we justify a fine of EUR300 plus for parking at the invalid space.

Actually, Donald Okeke, a fine of €300 for parking at a place for the disabled is one of the most justified ones.

People who park in clearly designated disabled bays need more than a €300 fine. Breaking their legs and refusing them a parking permit would be more effective, if slightly draconian.

@pepe. Get real. Plowing through a red light. Not stopping at pedestrian crossings are far far worse. For sure parking in disabled spot is a problem, but it doesn't threaten lives.

fines? You mean extortion?

Your are right LOL. People who cut furrows into soil around red lights are very inconsiderate. Plows should be left at the farm where they belong.

@Mr Me. Hahaha. Made my morning! Thanks.
Good to see someone with a sense of humour on these boards.