Good luck with your broken heater or leaking faucet: professionals avoid Amsterdam because of high parking costs and strict environmental regulations
Untenable situation
According to MKB Metropool Amsterdam, working in Amsterdam has become virtually impossible for professionals. Traffic congestion, a shortage of loading and unloading spaces, high parking costs and stricter environmental regulations make the work financially and practically untenable. Guido Frankfurther, vice chairman of MKB Metropool Amsterdam, is sounding the alarm: “We are hearing more and more that plumbers and carpenters are abandoning the city center. It simply costs too much time and money. Many companies move their operations to places like Purmerend or Badhoevedorp, where they can park and load without problems.”
Traffic problems pile up
The problems are compounded by the city’s traffic situation. Research shows that Amsterdam is the slowest traffic city in the Netherlands. It takes an average of 23 minutes to travel 10 kilometers. In 2025, that promises to get worse: due to large-scale road and rail maintenance, more closures and delays are to be expected. For professionals who often have to act with urgency, these conditions are simply unworkable.
Diesels no longer welcome
On top of that, the City of Amsterdam is placing increasing restrictions on fuel-engine vans. Older vehicles with diesel engines are no longer allowed in many places, and environmental zones make it difficult to navigate the city. Low speed limits and high parking costs do the rest.
Municipality promises action
Chores that could once be taken care of within a day now take longer to complete. Emergencies are no longer always resolved, and those who do manage to find a plumber or carpenter often pay significantly more for travel time and parking costs. The City of Amsterdam recognizes the problems and has pledged to enter into talks with the industry to find solutions. “The city is becoming increasingly busy and there are many roads that need to be maintained. We understand that this causes problems. We are going to see how we can improve the situation,” said a municipal spokesman.
Also read: Speed in Amsterdam to 30 km/h almost everywhere
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