Amsterdam is ramping up measures to deal with tourist excess in its central area, and especially in The Wallen, the so-called ‘red light district’ which has been swamped with visitors and especially with unruly stag and hen parties.
Although the city has long promoted the area as a tourism attraction, where visitors can meet the seamier side of life in cannabis cafes and where prostitution is tolerated, the growing numbers and rowdiness have led to resident complaints that the area is becoming unlivable.
Among the measures: real-time monitoring of streets in the area by patrols and cameras. The central monitoring station will code streets greeen, orange or red depending on crowding and activity. Code Red streets will be closed off until things cool down. Some areas may also be temporarily closed to clean up litter.
Cops in the area will soon be equipped with wireless card readers, allowing them to levy fines for violations and collect them on the spot, charged to debit or credit cards.
