Gemeentelijk verkeer- en vervoersplan (GVVP) Westerveld 2020–2030 – Traffic and Transport Policy
The Gemeentelijk verkeer- en vervoersplan (GVVP) for the Gemeente Westerveld is a statutory policy document establishing the municipal traffic and transport framework for the 2020–2030 period. Adopted by the municipal council on December 22, 2020, the plan fulfills the requirements of Article 8 of the Planwet Verkeer en Vervoer, which mandates that municipalities maintain a cohesive and execution-oriented transport policy. The document was prepared by Roelofs Advies en Ontwerp BV and operates within the context of the national Structuurvisie Infrastructuur en Ruimte (SVIR) and provincial guidelines such as the Provinciaal Verkeer- en Vervoerplan (PVVP) of Drenthe.
The scope of this GVVP encompasses road safety, infrastructure categorization, cycling networks, public transport accessibility, and sustainability goals. It defines specific technical requirements for different road types and parking facilities, incorporating the Duurzaam Veilig Wegverkeer (DV3) concept. The document is structured into evaluations of previous policies, thematic priorities (Speerpunten), and a concrete implementation program (Uitvoeringsprogramma) that schedules infrastructure improvements and safety campaigns through 2030.
The following sections detail the regulatory standards for road design, parking norms, and accessibility requirements as specified in the official GVVP Westerveld document.
Road Categorization and Speed Limits
In accordance with the Duurzaam Veilig principles, the municipality categorizes roads into three primary types to separate through-traffic from residential access. Maximum speed limits are strictly tied to these classifications.
- Erftoegangsweg (ETW): Access roads designed for residential areas with speed limits of 30 km/h within built-up areas and 60 km/h outside built-up areas.
- Gebiedsontsluitingsweg (GOW): Distributor roads intended to connect neighborhoods, with speeds of 50 km/h (inner) or 80 km/h (outer).
- Stroomweg (SW): National or regional through-roads such as the A32, N48, and N381, with speeds up to 100/130 km/h.
The policy specifies that all municipal roads are fundamentally categorized as erftoegangswegen. Exceptions where speed limits or design currently deviate, such as the Nieuwe Ruiterweg and Zuidstraat, are slated for downgrading to align with the 30/60 km/h standard.
Parking Norms and Accessibility
Parking requirements for new developments are based on CROW-publicatie 381. Westerveld is classified under the degree of urbanization as Niet stedelijk (Non-urban), which influences the specific parking ratios applied.
- Residential Parking: Norms range from 0.6 for tiny houses to 2.8 for detached owner-occupied houses in the rural area (Buitengebied).
- Visitor Parking: A standard addition of 0.3 spaces per dwelling is required for residential projects.
- Disabled Parking: Public facilities must allocate at least 5% of spaces to general disabled parking. For large public lots, a ratio of one adapted space per 50 standard spaces is maintained.
- Acceptable Walking Distances: The document defines a maximum distance of 100 meters for residents and 200–800 meters for employees, depending on the function.
Bicycle Infrastructure Standards
Cycling is a primary focus area, with technical specifications provided for three types of bicycle paths: primary, secondary, and recreational. These standards ensure safety and comfort for residents and tourists.
- Primary Bicycle Paths: Regular width of 3.0 meters for two-way traffic, with a minimum of 2.5 meters for lower intensities.
- Secondary Bicycle Paths: Regular width of 2.5 meters for two-way traffic.
- Obstacle-Free Zones: A minimum lateral clearance of 1.5 meters for primary paths and 1.0 meter for secondary paths is required.
- Drents Veiligheidslabel (DVL): A quality mark for primary schools that integrate road safety into their curriculum and maintain a safe school environment.
Sustainability and EV Infrastructure
The GVVP addresses the municipal transition toward sustainable mobility, focusing on reducing CO2 emissions, which transport accounts for approximately 21% of the local total.
- Public Charging Stations: Implementation of the Green Deal Openbaar toegankelijke elektrische laadinfrastructuur, allowing residents to request public charging points via an online portal.
- Basis op orde: A commitment to provide at least one public charging station in every village center with more than 1,000 inhabitants.
- HUB Dieverbrug: Development of a provincial transport hub connecting buses, car-sharing, and cycling networks to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard speed limit for residential areas in Westerveld?
The standard speed limit is 30 km/h within built-up areas and 60 km/h outside of them for all roads categorized as access roads (erftoegangswegen).
How are parking norms calculated for new residential projects?
Parking norms are determined by the housing type and location (Center, Rest of built-up area, or Rural area) using CROW-publicatie 381 standards, plus a mandatory 0.3 spaces per dwelling for visitors.
What are the requirements for disabled parking at public facilities?
Public facilities must provide at least 5% general disabled parking spaces, situated within 100 meters of the building entrance.
Is parking free in the Municipality of Westerveld?
Parking is generally free, except in the centers of Dwingeloo and Diever, where a blue zone parking disc regulation is active from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00.
What is the minimum width for a new two-way bicycle path?
For primary routes, the regular width is 3.0 meters, with a strict minimum of 2.5 meters depending on bicycle traffic volume per hour.
What legal framework governs the Westerveld GVVP?
The document is governed by Article 8 of the Planwet Verkeer en Vervoer, which requires municipalities to maintain execution-oriented traffic policies.
What is the municipal policy on public street lighting?
The policy follows the principle 'Dark where possible, light where necessary', prioritizing road safety while minimizing environmental impact and light pollution.
How does the municipality handle heavy agricultural traffic?
The municipality designates specific landbouwroutes and encourages through-traffic to use provincial distributor roads (gebiedsontsluitingswegen) rather than local access roads.
