Efteling Residents Revolt Against New Paid Parking Permits
Residents of the Van Heeswijkstraat in Kaatsheuvel are furious after receiving a letter informing them of a new charge for parking permits. The permit, which has been free for decades, will now cost residents 50 euros per car. In addition, the residents will also have to pay for visitor passes.
The news came as a complete shock to many residents who were blindsided by the sudden fee. The council had previously approved the paid parking scheme, but it was tucked neatly away in the 2025 budget, passed without much scrutiny.
Little did they know it would cause such a stir. Maaike Mesdag-Blom, a local politician with the Pro3 party, expressed surprise at the strength of the backlash.
“We should have focused more on the impact this would have on the people,” she admitted, acknowledging that the local council hadn’t examined the plan closely enough.
The council is now scrambling to appease the enraged residents. Coalition leaders have vowed to “scrap the measure” after a unanimous outcry.
“We want to try to get the measure off the table,” said Michel Verhoeven of the VVD party. “We didn’t fully understand the impact.”
They are now in intense discussions to find a solution. Verhoeven assured the public that everyone is on board with scrapping the new fee.
However, there is still uncertainty on
how they plan to fill the gap in the municipal budget
The council had aimed to raise an additional €68,000 through the new parking permit scheme.
“We are going to put the costs where they are incurred,”
said councillor Tonny Meulensteen, explaining the rationale behind the plan,
as municipalities struggle to balance their budgets with diminishing government funding.
But, the proposal has gone over
like a lead balloon.
“People think it’s incredibly unfair that they have to pay. I can totally agree with that,”
said councilmember Maaike Mesdag (Pro3).
She believes the council acted too quickly, without understanding
the consequences.
“I would want to withdraw it for next year.
I can’t give any guarantees for the following years. We have to look closely at the impact another parking fee will have on our
community,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Interests party has put forward an alternative proposal. They suggest shifting the burden onto the Efteling theme park itself. This could be achieved by utilizing the ‘entertainment fee’ already in place, under which the Efteling contributes to the municipality for each visitor it welcomes.
The council will meet on December 19.
It remains to be seen how
they will navigate this predicament
and whether those living near the beloved but crowded theme park
will have to pay the price.
How much are the new parking permits in Kaatsheuvel?
## Efteling Parking Fee Sparks Outrage: A Local Perspective
**Interviewer:** The new paid parking permits in Kaatsheuvel are causing quite a stir. Joining us today is [ **Name of Alex Reed**, **Occupation or Community Affiliation** ], who lives in the Van Heeswijkstraat and is directly affected by this change. Welcome.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** This parking permit fee seems to have come as a shock to many residents. Can you tell us about your initial reaction?
**Alex Reed:** We were completely blindsided. To be honest, I was furious. These parking permits have been free for as long as I can remember. It feels like the council just pulled this out of nowhere. [[1](https://www.efteling.com/en/park/information)]
**Interviewer:** The council has admitted that they perhaps didn’t communicate this change effectively. What are your thoughts on that?
**Alex Reed:**
It’s not just about communication. It’s about respect. They barely gave us a heads-up, and now we’re expected to shell out 50 euros per car? Plus, we have to pay for visitor passes? It’s just not right.
**Interviewer:** What impact do you think this will have on the community?
**Alex Reed:** It’s going to be tough for a lot of people. This is a residential street, and many families live here. Fifty euros might seem small to some, but it adds up, especially when you have multiple cars. And what about visitors? It’s going to make it harder for friends and family to come visit.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope the council will do next?
**Alex Reed:** We want them to listen to our concerns and reconsider this entire plan. We need them to come up with a solution that’s fair to all residents.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your perspective with us today.
**Alex Reed:** You’re welcome.
