Verkeersautoriteit

Verkeersautoriteit is a term used in Dutch-speaking regions to refer to an official government body that is charged with managing and regulating traffic within a defined geographical area. The exact powers and structure of a verkeersautoriteit vary by country and jurisdiction, but the core purpose is to ensure safe and efficient road traffic, public transport coordination, and related mobility services.

Typical responsibilities of a verkeersautoriteit include planning and implementing traffic management measures such as signage, road layouts, and traffic signal systems; setting local traffic rules and, where permissible, speed limits in line with higher national regulations; monitoring road safety and implementing safety improvements; coordinating road works, traffic diversions, and temporary traffic control; and overseeing certain aspects of parking management and access restrictions. In many cases the authority also communicates traffic information to the public and collaborates with police, emergency services, and transport operators.

The governance of a verkeersautoriteit usually resides within a local or regional government body, such as a municipality or province, or within a dedicated transport authority. It operates under national or regional transport laws and often works in partnership with other authorities, including policing services, public transport agencies, and infrastructure owners, to align traffic policy with broader mobility and safety objectives.

In practice, the exact mandate and powers of a verkeersautoriteit differ between countries and regions. In the Dutch-speaking world the term is used to describe authorities responsible for traffic policy and enforcement at the local or regional level, whereas the specific legal framework and competencies are defined by national and regional legislation.

See also: traffic management, road safety, municipal government, transport regulation.