When temperatures drop, Rotterdam’s response to slippery streets is a mix of municipal muscle and small actions you can take yourself. Here is what gets treated first, where to check the official routes, and how to report hazards quickly.

What the city prioritises when it gets slippery

Rotterdam carries out winter maintenance during the winter season, which the municipality describes as running from November to April. The aim is to reduce slipperiness and keep the city moving, not to treat every street and pavement at once. The municipality also asks residents and small businesses to help by keeping the pavement outside their home or premises passable, alongside municipal winter work.  

Where to see the gritting routes

If you cycle, drive, or rely on key connections, check whether your usual route is part of the official gritting network before you head out. Rotterdam publishes an interactive public map showing winter service layers, including gritting routes and salt collection locations.

Tip: bridges, quays and exposed stretches can stay treacherous even when the rest of your route feels fine. Planning a slightly longer, more sheltered route can be the difference between a smooth commute and a slide.

If you drive beyond the municipal network onto motorways, winter road treatment may fall under national road management rather than the city. This is useful context if you notice a difference between local roads and the main highways. 

Free grit and what you can do outside your own front door

Rotterdam makes free gritting salt available at municipal collection points. Because details such as collection times can change, use the official “Gladheid” page as your reference before you go. 

A few basics that help:

• Clear packed snow first, then salt. Salt works best on a thin layer, not a mound.
• Focus on the pinch points people actually walk through, such as curb edges, steps, and the route to the bin area.
• If you run a business, treat the stretch directly outside your entrance early. That is where slips cluster.

Reporting icy hazards, damage, and urgent problems

If you spot a dangerous or unsafe situation in public space, Rotterdam directs you to call 14 010 and says action is aimed within 24 hours for unsafe situations

For non-urgent issues in public space, the city directs you to MeldR (app and website) or the same phone number, depending on what you are reporting. That includes issues like damage, dirt, pests, or other street-level problems that can worsen when winter weather hits. 

Calling (with a number) from outside the Netherlands? Rotterdam notes that 14 010 cannot be reached from abroad. Use +31 10 267 16 25 instead.

Useful links

Municipality winter maintenance overview (Gladheid):
https://www.rotterdam.nl/gladheid

Report an issue in public space (Melding buitenruimte doen):
https://www.rotterdam.nl/melding-buitenruimte-doen

Snel Herstel (unsafe situations, call 14 010):
https://www.rotterdam.nl/snel-herstel

MeldR info page:
https://www.rotterdam.nl/meldr

MeldR website portal:
https://meldr.rotterdam.nl

Rotterdam gritting routes map (ArcGIS):
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f9cdffd676a34ebfaffaee9328646da9

National road winter info (context for motorways):
https://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/wegen/wegbeheer/winter-op-de-weg/strooien-en-zout

Discover NL-Alert, the Netherlands' robust public warning system. Learn how it works, its effectiveness, and how it aids in emergency preparedness.

How NL-Alert works

The NL-Alert comes into play during emergencies. It is the government's method of alerting and informing the public in the event of a crisis. If you receive an NL-Alert, it is crucial to read the message immediately and follow the instructions. It is also equally vital to inform others, as it's possible that some may miss the alert due to their phone being switched off or temporarily connected to a transmission tower that does not broadcast the NL-Alert.

The NL-Alert is received on your mobile phone. The alert explains the nature of the situation, the necessary actions to take, and where to find more information. When you receive an NL-Alert, you will hear a penetrating alarm sound, distinct from a regular message. To receive NL-Alerts, your mobile device must be switched on, but no further setup is required. The service is free and anonymous, ensuring your phone number remains private. You will receive an NL-Alert even if the mobile network is overloaded. Furthermore, NL-Alerts are increasingly visible on digital advertising screens and public transportation information screens.

NL-Alert test messages

The government sends out NL-Alert test messages on the first Monday of June and December each year. These messages are clearly marked as tests, requiring no action from the recipients. This procedure allows the public to experience firsthand what it is like to receive an NL-Alert. Remarkably, nine out of ten Dutch citizens aged 12 and above now receive the NL-Alert test message.

The test message generally reads something like this (in Dutch):

“NL-Alert 05-06-2023 12.00: TEST MESSAGE. The government warns you during emergencies via NL-Alert. You read what you must do and where you can find more information. Look at nl-alert.nl *** TEST MESSAGE Netherlands Government Public Warning System. No action required. More information: nl-alert.nl/english.”

Be aware that the NL-Alert can sound quite loud, especially for those using earphones or headphones. Therefore, it is advisable to remove these devices just before the test time. 

How effective is NL-Alert?

Research indicates that approximately half (49%) of Dutch citizens aged 12 and above follow the advice provided in the NL-Alert. Seven in ten say they would inform others if they receive an NL-Alert during an emergency, most commonly their family (42%), friends (19%), and neighbours (14%).

The NL-Alert system exemplifies the Dutch government's commitment to maintaining public safety. As this system continues to develop and adapt to changing technology, it promises to provide an essential service for Dutch citizens in times of crisis. In the Netherlands, we are well-prepared for emergencies. The NL-Alert test message aids in this preparation.

However, it is always beneficial to anticipate unexpected threats. Major power outages, flooding, or extreme heat can have significant impacts on individuals and their communities. Therefore, it is wise to discuss with those around you what you can do collectively to ensure everyone's safety and to assemble an emergency kit. For more information, visit denkvooruit.nl.