Until 1932, free travel between Pijnacker and Berkel wasn't possible. Cyclists and pedestrians paid a cent to pass the 't Meerhek gate. This was the so-called "toll gate" on the Klapwijkseweg between the two villages.
In earlier centuries, the Klapwijkseweg was the only passable connection between Pijnacker and Berkel. The narrow road ran between two lakes: the Oostmeer and the Bergboezem. These two lakes were connected by several bridges on the Klapwijkseweg. It was the main way to travel from Berkel to Delft via Pijnacker.
To raise funds for the maintenance of the road and the bridges, the municipality of Berkel was granted the right to charge tolls starting in 1555. This "toll right" was sold on several times but remained in effect until 1932. Then the province bought it off, and the Klapwijkseweg became a provincial road, to which the municipality of Pijnacker also contributed financially from that point on. The wrought-iron fencing between the pillars was removed, allowing traffic to pass freely without having to stop and pay tolls.
Now you pass the renovated toll gate on your way to the nature and recreation area "De Groenzoom."