Mobility newsletter December 2023

What's new in mobility? At the start of each month, we share the latest news related to mobility.

In the news 📰

Some new changes to the highway code will apply from 2025. The road code puts more emphasis on the active road user and inclusivity. Some of the changes include:

• Groups of pedestrians are required to use lights or fluovesten in the dark;
• A new road sign making the use of the cycle path optional;
• The ban on stopping for motorised vehicles now also applies in bus lanes, cycle lanes, roundabouts and disabled parking spaces;
• When parking a bicycle on the footpath, there must always be at least 1.5m free passage for pedestrians;
• More adjustments can be found here. Source

The Wallonia Pedestrian Plan 2030 has been published. This plan includes a series of measures aimed at promoting getting around on foot. Although walking is the first and most natural means of transport for people, walking should currently be encouraged. This by giving pedestrians back their place in public spaces, according to Mobilité Wallonie. The plan is made up of four parts: governance, facilities, services and communication & awareness. Now read the plan for yourself here. Source

Mobility facts 🧮

The congestion heaviness in 2023 is the highest since measurements were taken. This is because there is more leisure traffic and freight traffic on the road. Likewise, numerous roadworks are a cause of the high traffic jam heaviness. The rush-hour periods are getting longer and longer, which means there are also more traffic jams outside the traditional morning and evening rush hours. Source

There are three times more accidents involving drunk drivers during the end-of-year period than on other days. On December 24 and 25, 16 and 21 per cent of accidents with injuries are caused by excessive alcohol consumption, respectively. On New Year's Day, this rises to 33 per cent. Source

Did you know❓

SNCB tickets will become more expensive by 5.9 per cent from 1 February 2024. Only city passes and the bicycle supplement will not increase. Last year, train tickets also went up, this was about 9 per cent then. Source

Free-floating car-sharing systems Green Mobility and Poppy are disappearing from some cities. Green Mobility decided to cease operations in the cities of Brussels and Ghent. Poppy decided to cease operations in the cities of Ghent, Mechelen and Leuven. The use of the cars in these cities proved too small to make it financially viable. Source

From 8 December, 80 per cent of streets in Amsterdam will have a 30 km/h speed limit. With this measure, the administration expects 20-30 per cent fewer accidents. Further, noise pollution will also decrease this way. Source