Headline: Illegal Parkeerterrein Near Schiphol to Close After Series of Fires
Article:
An illegal parkeerterrein near Schiphol airport, where over 40 cars were destroyed in a fire last November, is set to close. The municipality of Haarlemmermeer has deemed the terrain illegal and has ordered its closure by January 17.
The parkeerterrein, located in Rijsenhout, has been a source of concern for local residents since the incident. Two smaller car fires and an attempted arson attack occurred on the site during the Christmas holidays. The municipality’s decision to close the terrain comes in response to these incidents and the growing unrest among residents.
The terrain has been used as a private parking lot for long-stay drivers. However, the municipality has stated that it has an agricultural designation and must be cleared by January 17. Failure to comply could result in a fine of 100,000 euros.
The massive fire that occurred on the night of November 10-11 destroyed between 40 and 50 cars. Employees of a company nearby told NOS that they had seen two people walking around with jerrycans setting cars on fire. They suggested that it was a result of a business conflict.
In a separate incident on December 17, two minors were arrested for suspected arson on the terrain. Another youth, aged 16, was also apprehended for trying to set fire to the premises during the Christmas period.
Local residents and business owners have expressed concern about the situation. A municipality spokesperson stated that these concerns were a major factor in their decision to intervene.
The municipality acknowledges that there are other parking terrains in the vicinity but is unsure if they are also illegal. They mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were issues with ‘valet parking’, where cars were left at Schiphol and found parked in the municipality, sometimes used for criminal activities.
The municipality is currently attempting to contact the owners of the non-damaged vehicles to ask them to remove their cars by January 17. They anticipate that the owners of the destroyed vehicles have already contacted their insurance companies.
Internal Links:
- Previous incident: Parkeerterrein near Schiphol where 40 cars were destroyed must close – Gemeente
- Two teens arrested for arson on Schiphol parking terrain
- 16-year-old arrested for attempted arson on parking terrain
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