Mobility newsletter March 2024

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

In the news 📰

From 1 March, a reform has been implemented at the Flemish driving school. The reform mainly focuses on the training moment for supervisors. Supervisors are required to attend a 3-hour course. For example, the supervisors learn how to teach someone how to drive and the highway code. After attending the training moment, you get a certificate valid for 10 years. Apprentice drivers must now also practise for at least five months before their practical test can be taken. Previously, this was as early as three months. Source

Since 25 March, you can take the European Sleeper from Brussels to Prague, with new stops in Dresden, Bad Schandau, Decin and Usti nad Labem as well. The train can be taken at Brussels-Midi on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The journey takes about 16 hours. Source

Mobility facts 🧮

In Flanders, there are 12,076 public charging stations, compared to 2,148 in Wallonia. Reasons for this difference are Flanders' subsidy programme, the larger number of (electric) company cars in Flanders and a more difficult licensing procedure in Wallonia.  Source

There were 483 road deaths in Belgium in 2023, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to 2022. The drop in Brussels from 21 to 5 road deaths is the most positive trend. Furthermore, the number of cycling deaths in 2023 did increase by one compared to 2022. There were thus 96 cycling deaths in 2023. The increase in Flanders from 73 to 84 cycling deaths is particularly striking. The increase in the number of bicycle kilometres partly explains this. Source

Did you know❓

British research shows that a flashing rear light is noticed faster by motorists than a rear light that is on continuously. Likewise, motorists can better judge the distance between the vehicle and the cyclist.  Source

Antwerp will allow mobile installations on the public domain from 1 April. This will give Antwerp start-up UZE permission to use its mobile fast chargers for private electric cars. This way, electric cars can also be charged without having to park in a public car park with a fixed charging point. Source