Road policy

We manage approximately 350kilometre . We do this on the basis of the Road Management Memorandum, which was adopted in 2019. The memorandum describes what we want to achieve with the management and maintenance of the roads. The focus is on keeping the roads safe for traffic.

Note on Road Management

Our road policy is based on two laws:

• the Roads Act, which regulates the ownership, management, and maintenance of roads in the Netherlands;
• the Road Traffic Act, which focuses on the use of roads.

The policy is based on three principles:

• HHNK designs its roads in such a way that they encourage safe use;
• together with all stakeholders; and
• We are transparent about our choices.

HHNK designs its roads in such a way that they encourage safe use.

Road safety is the most important principle. The safety of all road users on our roads is paramount, with extra attention being paid to cyclists as the most vulnerable road users. By road safety, we mean preventing the risk of traffic accidents and, if an accident does occur, minimizing its consequences as much as possible. As road authorities, we cannot fully guarantee road safety; much depends on the behaviour road users themselves. However, we can promote the desired traffic behavior through road design – pavement(s) and verges. By using road safety as the most important criterion in the design (and management of activities and works) of the road, we contribute to the road safety of road users. When designing roads, we follow the guidelines of the national Sustainable Safety vision and the CROW guidelines.

Together with all stakeholders

Our roads are part of a larger network of roads. Road users travel from A to B via roads managed by different road authorities. Coordination at network level regarding road functions and mobility requires effective cooperation with other road authorities. Road safety is also the most important principle here. Where road safety is at stake, action is taken as quickly as possible. We do this in consultation with the (immediate) environment and from the perspective of the entire road network (police, province, and municipalities).

We are transparent about our choices

We take measures to promote road safety. It is important that we record the choices we make for the roads under our responsibility in such a way that the information is accessible and interpretable. This means that we are transparent not only about the financing of our work, but also about the substantive considerations that underlie our management choices. We manage and maintain our roads in a cost-effective and risk-driven manner. In all decisions we make about roads and traffic, we consider how that decision relates to the transfer of the roads. In addition, we take into account developments in the areas of climate, technology, and society, and translate this into road management.

Financing road policy

Road management and maintenance cost money. We receive a contribution from the national government for this. It is also sometimes possible to apply for a subsidy from the province. These contributions cover approximately 30% of the total costs. The remaining 70% is paid by the residents of the municipalities where we manage the roads in the form of road tolls.