Dutch research respondents favour tougher line policing

DEN BOSCH – Dutch Canadians and Dutch Americans returning to the Netherlands have frequently commented on the assertive approach Dutch people take when, for example, boarding buses and trains. A recent market research study asked the question what most annoys people. The results may well mirror those of visitors to the Netherlands: queue jumping and pushiness topped the list, followed by people discarding garbage, dog droppings and tailgating in traffic. Other annoyances are spitting, loud music and loafing by groups of young people, a practice coined in Dutch hangjongeren. Eighty percent of the respondents agreed with the suggestion that these problems have been on the rise over the past five years. Over sixty percent blamed such behaviour on poor parenting. Also noted were the lack of clear cut rules and rising selfishness. Well over 80 percent think the problems are reversible with a no nonsense approach. They named strict policing and immediate justice as well as higher fines most frequently as solutions. The harder-line policies of the Spanish and the Italian police were favoured most.