Closing of the designated street prostitution zone at the Europalaan is a hotly debated topic within the municipality. Project developers and entrepreneurs are urging the government to make a decision as fast as possible. Currently the hustling zone is a major impediment for new large-scale home construction in the area. The mayor and aldermen are now looking for alternative locations.
People are expecting a definitive decision at the end of the year. Rightwing and Christian parties want to get rid of the hustling zone while leftwing parties argue for maintaining a hustle zone for legal prostitution in Utrecht.
Bubbles not her real name has worked for six months at the designated street prostitution zone. During the interview at a sandwich shop close to the Europalaan, she only picks vegetarian sandwich fillings. At the end of the afternoon I would get my clothes and make-up and take the Bus to Utrecht.
I live in a rural town. In the living room at the designated street prostitution zone I would talk for a couple of minutes with my colleagues, then I got changed and went onto the street.
When a car drove by I would try to make contact to see if the man inside was interested. Some asked how I was doing. Most of the time however they started out with: how much does it cost? That is of course less street like. Sometimes I found it pleasant to lean against a lamppost.
