18,640 fines have already been issued in the Brussels-Capital Region this year to motorists who entered the low-emission zone (LEZ) with an over-polluting car, announced Brussels Environment on Wednesday.
In the first six months of 2022, 63,243 warnings were sent out for polluting vehicles. Since July, nearly 19,000 of those motorists have been fined for continuing to drive those vehicles inside the zone. Most of these are diesel vehicles with Euronorm 4, which have been banned since this year, Belga News Agency reports.
The number of fines continues to rise: 12,321 in 2020, 16,642 in 2021, and for this year the number will likely surpass 19,000. A motorist can only be fined once per quarter. Of all the fines issued in 2022, almost half have been paid.
"For the rest, the proceedings are ongoing," said Brussels Environment. "It must be taken into account that there is a payment deadline, that some people ask for a repayment plan or appeal. Analysing those requests takes time, but is essential to ensure a fair levy."
Exemptions and repeat offenders
Those who want to can apply for an exception to enter the LEZ in certain cases. Around 4,000 exemptions were requested in 2022, of which 2,500 were accepted by Bruxelles Environnement. Vintage cars more than 30 years old, driving around with an "O" registration plate, automatically get an exemption.
Since the LEZ was introduced in 2018, 300 people have received five or more fines for driving their too-polluting cars. Two people top the list, both with 12 fines.
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The next major tightening of the Brussels LEZ is scheduled for January 2025: from then on, diesel vehicles with Euronorm 5 and petrol vehicles with Euronorm 2 will be banned from the Capital Region.
Mopeds, motorcycles and trucks will also be included from 2025. "This milestone will play an important role in reducing nitrogen emissions," said Brussels Environment.
