Share

Dutch cops call off TDF disruption

The Hague - Dutch police on Thursday called off their plans to disrupt the second stage of the Tour de France in the Netherlands on Sunday, but vowed to press ahead with a protest for better pay.

The announcement by the police unions came after the Dutch government dropped a request for an urgent interdict to bar disgruntled officers from demonstrating on Rotterdam's iconic Erasmus bridge, across which the riders will pass.

"Rotterdam has given us all the space to be present, visible and recognisable in the city to strengthen our legitimate demands," union negotiators Albert Springer and Gerrit van de Kamp said in a statement.

"The discussion between police unions and the Rotterdam city council has lead to the urgent interdict being dropped and the Tour de France will pass through undisturbed," they added.

The police, who are demanding better pay, had announced plans on Monday to carry out traffic checks on the advertising caravan that precedes the Tour's competitors - a move that would hold up the riders.

The unions on Thursday said they had abandoned the plan.

"There's no question of carrying out a traffic check on the advertising caravan. Even better, we'll escort it" through Rotterdam, they said.

Instead, they said, a union member will cycle ahead of the publicity caravan and "many" police vehicles will be parked on Erasmus bridge, but in a way that will not obstruct the race.

The police also plan a protest bike ride in the city of Utrecht shortly before the start of the tour in that city on July 4.

The officers want a pay raise of 3.3 percent, higher overtime pay and a cash bonus for undergoing a reorganisation of the police force.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE