Amsterdam Red Light District

Sex workers in Amsterdam's red light district reported Wednesday a big drop in customers due to the harsh winter cold snap, with clients unwilling to venture out in case they got stranded by the snow.

Unseasonal sub-zero temperatures and a blanket of snow have affected much of northern Europe, at least a month earlier than normal in many countries.

'With freezing temperatures of minus 8C, snow storms and strong winds blowing across the country men are afraid of going out to visit De Wallen (the Amsterdam red light district),' said Metje Blaak, spokesperson of Red Zone foundation for sex workers.

'This means that prostitutes earn now at least 50 per cent less money', Blaak said.

'We have almost 800 prostitutes working here in the red light district: if weather conditions continue like this, this could be a financial disaster for all sex workers in the city, and in the Netherlands', he added.

Some clients had told Red Zone they feared to venture out in case of becoming stranded in snow-bound traffic, and arriving home late.