Gemeentelijk Beleidsplan Verkeer en Vervoer Eijsden-Margraten – Municipal Traffic and Transport Policy 2020–2030
The Gemeentelijk Beleidsplan Verkeer en Vervoer Eijsden-Margraten (GBVV) is the official traffic and transport policy framework for the municipality of Eijsden-Margraten, Netherlands. Valid from December 31, 2021, this document fulfills the legal obligation under the Planwet Verkeer en Vervoer to maintain a cohesive and implementation-oriented transport strategy. It serves as a guiding framework for decisions made by the municipal council and the board of mayor and aldermen regarding the physical living environment, bridging the transition toward the Dutch Environment Act (Omgevingswet).
The policy covers a 10-year horizon (2020–2030) and is structured around five core components: strategic frameworks, the Mobiliteitsvisie Zuid-Limburg, specific municipal ambitions, six primary policy lines, and a multi-year implementation program. Regulated domains include traffic safety, traffic flow (doorstroming), sustainability, intermodal connectivity (verknoping), spatial quality, and education. As a Cittaslow municipality, Eijsden-Margraten prioritizes the quality of the living environment, landscape preservation, and human-scale mobility over traditional infrastructure expansion.
This document defines concrete standards for road categorization, speed management, and the integration of agricultural and heavy goods vehicle traffic. It replaces the 2013 Traffic Safety Plan and establishes the V85-norm as a key indicator for determining when intervention is required on residential roads.
Road Categorization and Infrastructure Design
Following the Duurzaam Veilig (Sustainable Safety) principles, the municipality distinguishes between three road types, each with specific functions and speed limits. The design of these roads must be self-explanatory to influence road user behavior effectively.
- Stroomwegen (Flow Roads): Intended for high-speed regional travel, with speeds of 100 km/h or 130 km/h (e.g., the A2 motorway).
- Gebiedsontsluitingswegen (Distributor Roads): Connecting neighborhoods and districts, with speed limits of 80 km/h outside built-up areas and 50 km/h inside (e.g., N278 and N598).
- Erftoegangswegen (Access Roads): Residential and rural roads where the priority is accessibility and safety. Limits are set at 60 km/h outside and 30 km/h inside built-up areas.
Design guidelines specify that for Erftoegangswegen (type 1), bicycle suggestion lanes may be used, while Gebiedsontsluitingswegen prefer physically separated bicycle paths with a preferred width of 1.80 meters (minimum 1.50 meters).
Traffic Safety and the V85 Standard
The municipality targets zero traffic fatalities by 2030, shifting from a reactive approach based on past accidents to a proactive, risk-based analysis. A key metric used is the V85-speed, representing the speed at or below which 85% of traffic travels.
- On 30 km/h access roads, traffic calming measures are considered if the V85 exceeds 40 km/h.
- On 50 km/h distributor roads, interventions are triggered if the V85 exceeds 55 km/h.
- Traffic thresholds for residential access roads (30 km/h) are set at a maximum of 10% heavy goods vehicles.
Agricultural and Heavy Goods Traffic
Given the rural nature of the Heuvelland landscape, the policy regulates the interaction between heavy machinery and other road users. The document establishes a Kwaliteitsnet landbouwverkeer (Quality network for agricultural traffic) to guide large vehicles away from vulnerable village centers.
- Agricultural Exemptions: The RDW may grant exemptions for vehicles wider than 3.0 meters, up to a maximum of 3.50 meters, on designated routes.
- HGV Routing: Through-traffic for heavy goods vehicles is discouraged in residential areas, with specific bans enforced in areas like Sint Jozefstraat and Aan de Fremme.
- Agricultural Berms: Use of semi-paved berms and passing bays is prioritized over widening road surfaces to preserve spatial quality.
Parking and Public Space Quality
Parking policy is integrated into the wider environmental strategy, following CROW publication 317 standards. The 'Parapluplan parkeren Eijsden Margraten' (August 2018) provides the legal basis for parking requirements in new developments.
- Parking on Own Terrain: New developments are required to facilitate parking within their own plot boundaries to avoid overloading public space.
- Blue Zones: Time-limited parking zones (maximum 2 hours) are utilized in the centers of Eijsden, Margraten, and Gronsveld to manage high demand.
- Signage Reduction (Bordenluw): The municipality aims to reduce visual clutter by removing unnecessary traffic signs (sanering verkeersborden), focusing on 'bordenluw' (sign-light) and 'bordenvrij' (sign-free) environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum speed allowed on the Mergellandroute?
The Mergellandroute maintains a speed regime of 60 km/h outside built-up areas and 50 km/h inside built-up areas.
When does the municipality install speed bumps in residential streets?
In principle, speed bumps are not used in 30 km/h residential zones unless the V85 speed exceeds 40 km/h and other measures like narrowing or intersection plateaus are insufficient.
Are there designated 'black spots' in Eijsden-Margraten?
Based on 2014–2018 data, the municipality has no official 'black spot' locations (defined as 10 accidents in 3 years, with at least 6 involving injury).
What are the rules for electric vehicle charging stations?
The municipality follows a regional approach for public charging infrastructure, prioritizing locations that do not conflict with protected village views or pedestrian sidewalk width (minimum 1.50 meters free passage).
How is agricultural traffic managed in the Heuvelland?
Large agricultural vehicles are encouraged to use the 'Kwaliteitsnet landbouwverkeer' to avoid centers, with exemptions granted for widths up to 3.50 meters on specific routes.
What parking norms apply to new building projects?
Parking requirements are determined based on CROW publication 317 kencijfers, with a mandatory 'parking on own terrain' principle for initiators.
