Amsterdam’s tourist areas now so dirty they need ‘mop-up breaks’ to clear the vomit
Amsterdam's streets are getting increasingly dirty, especially after dark in the Red Light District
AMSTERDAM is going to introduce "mop-up breaks" in its Red Light District during busy parts of the week, so cleaners can clear up the vomit and rubbish left by tourists.
The “breaks” will mean dirty areas can be cordoned off from members of the public, so that sick and waste can be cleaned up properly.
They are bring introduced to improve Amsterdam’s Red Light District, which is known as the Wallen.
A statement from the city council reads: "Apart from existing measures, Amsterdam will now take extra action to reduce pressure on the city centre and to improve access to the Wallen.
“Parts of the Wallen will then be closed off to the public in order to properly rid streets of waste and vomit.
“A lot of rubbish gets thrown in the streets. Therefore 'mop-up pauses' are being introduced for certain streets."
“If a code red is called, so-called 'hosts' will be deployed and if necessary, streets will be closed off.”
Last month it was reported that Amsterdam had become a "lawless jungle" after dark, with police powerless to intervene against crime and violence.
Street racing, drug dealing and illegal taxis are all said to be commonplace at night.
The city's authorities have claimed that men, frequently from the UK and other parts of the Netherlands, are causing trouble during stag dos and pub crawls, with the majority of the trouble taking place in the Red Light District.
WIN A FREE HOLIDAY Fancy a free holiday to Disneyland or Dubai? Vote in our Sun Travel Awards and enter our prize draw for six great holidays
Official ombudsman, Arre Zuurmond told Dutch paper Trouw that "the city centre becomes an urban jungle at night".
He added: "Criminal money flourishes, there is no authority and the police can no longer handle the situation."
Local authorities have set up three cameras around Leidseplein Square to monitor the problems, with strict penalties are being issued for 'public disturbances'.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Zuurmond, describing the current situation, said: "Criminal money flourishes, there is no authority and the police can no longer handle the situation.
"Scooters race through the pedestrian areas. There is a lot of shouting. Drugs are being bought. There is stealing. People pee and even poop on the streets."
Sun Online Travel previously revealed the top six ways to experience Amsterdam, from flower markets to hot toddies.