Mobility newsletter November 2023

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

In the news 📰

Brussels wants to improve the sense of safety in pedestrian zones. For example, it is considering not allowing cyclists at busy times. At which locations in the pedestrian zone this restriction will take place and between what times is not yet known. One conclusion is that most conflicts occur in the evening rush hour and not in the morning rush hour. Brussels follows the example of Ghent and Leuven in this respect. Source

Vias Institute calls extra attention to the 'Action Now' memorandum. To improve road safety, the 12 proposed actions of the memorandum must be urgently addressed. In recent years, there has been too much debate on these measures and no political agreement yet, Vias Institute said. They include zero alcohol tolerance for all drivers, a driving licence with points and smart cameras that can detect mobile phone use behind the wheel. Flemish Mobility Minister Peeters is all in favour of a driving licence with points. Source

Mobility facts 🧮

In Brussels, more than 10 million cyclists (and steppers) have already been counted via bicycle counting poles. Last year, a total of 9.5 million cyclists had been counted. This makes 2023 a record year. In relative terms, bicycle use is up 7 per cent in Brussels this year. So bicycle use is still increasing in Brussels. Improved road safety and more decent cycle paths are essential to ensure a growing number of cycling movements. Source

Small cars have become substantially more expensive in just a few years. The price rise of these cars is itself double the rate of inflation. The auto industry explains this by more expensive parts and increased personnel costs. But the average price rise of 41 per cent is thus double the accumulated inflation rate for the last four years. Source

Did you know❓

Drug tests are now also mandatory in accidents with only property damage. The Federal Police has purchased additional saliva tests so that more checks can be made. Previously, police checked a number of elements that could indicate drug use: dilated pupils, agitated behaviour, a strange smell coming from the car. If those indications were there, a saliva test with a stick in the cheek would follow. So this is now always the case. Source

From 13 April 2024, all newly installed charging stations (with at least 50 kW) must accept bank cards. Currently, most charging stations only work with specific charging cards and/or apps. The mandatory European legislation will therefore change the accessibility of public charging from next year. From 2027, existing charging stations will also be obliged to accept bank cards. Source

The speed limit on the Paris ring road will go from 70 km/h to 50 km/h from September 2024. Every day, 1.5 million vehicles use the road, causing regular traffic jams. As a result, the average speed is already around 50 km/h, so the change is certainly justifiable. The speed reduction will take effect after the Paris Olympics. Paris has also decided that one lane may only be used for buses, taxis and carpooling. Source