Sailing on Zoetermeer waters
On April 12, 2019, the new boating policy for the Zoetermeer waters came into effect. The Zoetermeer waters are the Zoetermeerseplas, the Broekwegwetering and the Noordhoven lake.
Until April 12, 2019, no boating was allowed on the Zoetermeerseplas. Only boating permit holders were allowed to sail there. That boating ban has been lifted. Instead, the following boating policy applies.
Boating is only permitted on Zoetermeer waters if:
- an electric motor is used on the vessel
- no more than 6 kilometers per hour will be sailed
A major reason for the new boating policy is that the nuisance and environmental impact of electric-powered engines are significantly less than fuel-powered engines. The latter engines cause noise, odor and emissions. The municipal government wants to firmly commit to energy transition: a transition from the use of fossil fuels to the use of electricity. A ban on the use of gasoline engines on vessels contributes to this energy transition.
Current boating permit holders are subject to an exception regarding the use of electric engines. The exception means they may use gasoline engines until April 12, 2024. As of April 12, 2024, they too must use electric engines. All boating permit holders have personally received a letter.
Team Enforcement, the police, the fire department and the Zoetermeer Rescue Brigade are always allowed both to use gasoline engines and to sail faster than 6 kilometers per hour.
Are you of the opinion that you must use a gasoline engine and/or sail faster than 6 kilometers per hour? Then you can apply for an exemption for this.
Do you have any questions?
