Now here is a novel idea to solve the Netherlands’ endless traffic jam problems – from the boss of the Dutch construction industry lobby group: build new roads, but don’t let anyone drive on them.

Elco Brinkman tells the Financieele Dagblad today that this is the only way to stop the country becoming gridlocked.
Brinkman says that new road projects are being put on hold because of worries about air quality – of the 24 new road projects, 16 cannot be given the green light because of pollution fears.
But at the same time, the government has set aside €4bn to fund all the projects and it would be a pity to let the cash go to waste.
So, he says, why not let the builders build the roads, but refuse to let drivers use them until the worries about air quality have been soothed? Cars are becoming less polluting all the time, so once air quality standards can be met the roads can be given a ‘users licence’ and opened to traffic.
It is a noble suggestion, and only a cynic would suggest that the real advantage is that the road builders themselves could continue to earn their fat cheques while all the wrangling over permits and pollution continues.
And of course, the fury of motorists stuck in jams despite all the kilometres of untouched tarmac will lead to intense lobbying for the new roads to be opened up to cars anyway, permit or not.