Category: Belgium
Attention low emission zones in Belgium: Up to 350 euro fine!
Belgium has drastically tightened its low emission zones for vehicles in major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent since 2022, with further restrictions planned for 2025. Anyone driving in these cities must expect a fine of up to 350 euros. This regulation applies not only to local drivers, but also to foreign drivers. In all three cities, there is an environmental zone in which certain vehicles are not allowed to drive. Cameras monitor compliance with the rules by recording and comparing the licence plates of vehicles.
From 2024: Brussels bans Euro5 diesel, Antwerp grants grace period
Brussels is getting serious in the fight against older diesel vehicles. Euro5 vehicles will be banned from 2024. The old combustion engines were actually supposed to be banned in all three environmental zones in Belgium. However, the Flemish government has decided to postpone the ban by one year.
Antwerp's low emission zone policy: more exemptions and social tariffs for non-residents
From 27 April 2024, more people, including non-residents of Antwerp, will be entitled to an exemption or a social tariff in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) of Antwerp, Belgium. The Flemish government is making adjustments to the access conditions for the LEZ in Antwerp and Ghent. These changes are aimed at making the LEZ more social, according to Tom Meeuws (Vooruit), Councillor for the Environment.
The remarkable impact of low emission zones on air quality in London
Air quality in London has improved significantly over the last 15 years thanks to the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). This initiative to reduce air pollution has not only improved air quality in the city, but has also contributed to improved public health and economic savings.
Antwerp puts the brakes on classic cars: Historic cars to be banned from the city's low emission zone!
From April 27, 2024, the environmental zone policy in Antwerp will change fundamentally. The city council has decided to restrict access to the low emission zone (LEZ) for classic cars.
Low emission zones in Flanders: Government stops tightening and risks air quality!
The planned ban on older diesel and petrol vehicles in Flanders is postponed. Originally, diesel Euro5 and petrol Euro2 vehicles were to be banned from entering Antwerp and Ghent in less than 4 months. Now the government has postponed these tightening measures by one year and completely suspended all further bans.
E-mobility: charging infrastructure problem solved?!
From 2035, new combustion vehicles will be banned in Europe and only new electric vehicles will be allowed. In many cities, however, these will already be banned in the environmental zones before then. How will the millions of e-cars be charged in the confined urban areas? In Antwerp (Belgium), e-cars can already be charged flexibly at mobile charging stations. Now the service could soon be expanded and find space in other major cities in Europe.
Low emission zones and emission standards: A look ahead to 2023
The new year is coming, and with it many innovations for low emission zones and the regulations that govern the corresponding entry for vehicles. A new EU emission standard is also on its way to set the emission standards of all new registrations in the future. Will 2023 be a good year for less pollutants in traffic? Or will the new rules have no real positive impact on the environmental situation?
Air pollution detected in the embryo
This is the worrying result of a study by a Scottish and Belgian university. Traces of pollutants from the outside world were found not only in the placenta, but also in the developing foetus.
Antwerp: Got Fined?
It's annoying: you drive into an environmental zone without noticing it and only find out about it when the fine notice flutters into your house. That doesn't have to be the case.