Belgians have the longest commute time and commuting distance in Europe

Mobility newsletter September 2024

What's new in mobility land? At the start of each month, we share the latest news related to all things mobility in our Mobility newsletter.

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In the news 📰

Belgians have the longest commute time and commuting distance in Europe, according to a study by SD Worx. With an average of 53 minutes and 39 kilometres, we are the leaders in Europe. In our neighbouring countries, the average is around 45 minutes and 32 kilometres. Possible explanations are high housing prices and commuting allowances.

On 30 September 2024, Flemish Government Diependaele took the oath of office in theFlemish Parliament. The new Flemish minister of mobility is N-VA's Annick DeRidder. She will soon publish her policy note with her objectives for her reign. Watch our interview with Annick De Ridder here.

Mobility facts  🧮

The number of serious road accidents involving electric scooters quadrupled between 2020and 2022, from 409 accidents to 1,748 accidents. This is because scooter users often exhibit irresponsible behaviour. For instance, they ride too carelessly without helmets, often breaking traffic rules. This problem also appears to be larger with share scooters than with private scooters. Source

Figures from Vias Institute show that an average of 14 shool-goers are injured on the way or from school every school day. This figure remains fairly stable over the years.Interestingly, the number of accidents involving mopeds has risen sharply.Every school day, 2 moped riders are involved in an accident, even though only young people over 16 are allowed to drive them.

Did you know ❓

55.8 percent of Brussels households do not own a car. This percentage increases every year, according to Statbel. This can be explained by the urban nature of the capital on the one hand and by rising personal costs on the other. Compared to the whole of Belgium, this is26.9 per cent more families without a car.

Last administration period, the number of municipal fines, including fines for speeding and fines you get if you drive an over-polluting car into an LEZ, almost tripled. By 2023, 124 million euros will have been collected.While in 2019, this was still 43 million euros, the VRT NWS article shows.

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