There has been a surge in the number of mini cars in Amsterdam this year, with 2,297 now registered with the vehicle licencing authority, the Telegraaf reported on Friday. And of the 751 new ones registered this year, 480 were the virtually cubic Opel Rocks Electrics.

Since 2020 and the upward march of the Biro, owners have no longer been allowed to park on the pavements and have been able to apply for a reduced price parking licence. Some 1,500 have already done so.

The city authorities will soon decide if the reduced rate should become permanent or if drivers should pay the full price.

The vehicles must use the ordinary roads and have a maximum speed of 45 kph. The capital now has a maximum speed of 30 kph on most roads.

But they are not allowed to use the tunnels under the IJ waterway and have to use the ferries if they want to cross between the two halves of the city.