Mobility newsletter July 2023

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

In the news 📰

The European Parliament has decided that fast chargers should be installed every 60 kilometres on major European motorways from 2026. These should be fast chargers with a capacity of at least 400 kilowatts.  It was also decided that charging prices should be communicated more transparently. Prices will have to be posted like at current petrol stations. At these places, it should also be possible to pay with an ordinary bank card from 2026. Source

The Walloon Parliament decided this month to build five additional carpool car parks with a total of 1,118 parking spaces. This is in addition to six carpool car parks already planned and approved. The Parliament wants to encourage carpooling to the maximum. It wants to increase the average car occupancy rate from 1.3 in 2017 to 1.8 in 2030. Source

Mobility facts 🧮

Less than 20 per cent of bus stops in Flanders are accessible to people with motor disabilities. To prevent transport poverty among these people, The Flemish Parliament recently approved a resolution with recommendations. These include a focus on ramps, raised platforms, orientation and navigation facilities. Source

The number of blind spot accidents in 2022 has increased by 35 per cent compared to the year 2021. The number of deaths and serious injuries in these accidents has even doubled. Cyclists and pedestrians often bear the brunt of these accidents. The rollout of more conflict-free intersections should address this. Source

Did you know❓

After 47 years, Ford has stopped producing the Ford Fiesta. Ford made this decision as the company wants to build only electric vehicles by 2030. A total of 22 million units have been sold. Source

In June electric cars were purchased for the first time more than diesel cars. So the electrification of the European car fleet does seem to have begun. Although petrol-engined cars and hybrid cars still remain more popular than electric cars. Source

After the summer, buying an extra ticket for your pet will no longer be compulsory on STIB trams, buses or metros. So pets will soon be allowed to travel for free with their owners. Source