Mobility minister plans to test drones in traffic incidents

Flanders’ minister for mobility, Ben Weyts, is to test of the use of drones in road traffic incidents, such as taking aerial photographs to help authorities clear the road quickly in the case of accidents. The plan was revealed in the answer to a written question from a member of the Flemish parliament. 

Socialist member Joris Vandenbroucke was enquiring about progress on the installation of a central accident director, as promised by Weyts’ predecessor, Hilde Crevits. An accident director would take control over major accident scenes such as the one in Wetteren in July when a lorry struck a bridge support and caused hours of traffic chaos.

The director’s arrival is still a long way off, as a working group continues to consider the question, Weyts said, but drones are now being considered. According to Weyts, talks are taking place about the rules of engagement, with the federal police already willing to co-operate. A test project would involve the mobility department, the roads and traffic agency, the traffic police and the directorate-general of airspace.

Photo: Ingimage