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4,000 drivers allowed in Brussels pedestrian zone

Belgium
11:15 15/03/2016

An electronic badge or special permit is all a motorist needs to be allowed into the Brussels pedestrian zone by vehicle. Since the introduction of the car-free zone eight months ago, more than 4,000 permits have been issued, writes La Capitale.

Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur told the newspaper that there are only a few specific cases in which a driver qualifies to apply for admission into the zone. It is available to drivers who make deliveries to businesses there, but also to people who are moving house, or transporting residents who are less mobile.

Ecolo politician Marie Nagy defends the high number of admissions, saying they are necessary to ensure that the pedestrian zone remains habitable.

The special permit, which is valid for two years, is mostly granted to business owners and doctors.

 

Written by Robyn Boyle

Comments

salsadancer

As usual, the laws are flaunted and abused. I walked the zone a few weeks ago and had to dodge cars and bicycles who were weaving in and out of the pedestrians. If I had veered suddenly left or right, I could have been killed or seriously wounded as I never ever thought I had to look BEHIND me when in a pedestrian zone. Did the city not look at successful pedestrian zones in cities before launching into our new endeavour? There should be strict times and major signage for when cars are allowed. Bicycles should stick to the cycle lanes or cyclists get a fine. Where is the CCTV which would solve all these problems as automatic and objective fines imposed.

Mar 15, 2016 10:18
Anon2

4000 permits? Sort of defeats the entire purpose I'd have thought. I am still surprised that an unelected mayor was allowed to implement his personal project and was able to obtain the funds he needed. I doubt that much time, if any, was spent studying successful pedestrian zones in other cities/countries. Imo, it would be great if truly necessary work (think tunnels, road repair) was carried out with such speed and determination.

Mar 15, 2016 10:38