The Council of State has asked the Brussels Government for a stronger justification for its pass scheme for the Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Capital Region.
Motorists with a pass would be allowed to use their cars in Brussels, even if they do not meet the requirements for the LEZ, in return for a payment. It would allow motorists with cars banned at the start of the year – Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol – to use their car in the capital for several years longer.
The Council supports the plan, but has asked the Brussels Government to provide further justification for the scheme it intends to introduce, said State Secretary for the Environment Ans Persoons (Vooruit) on Wednesday.
The Brussels Government established its LEZ in 2018 and tightened the rules at the start of the year, before reforming its plans in April. Alongside changing how the region enforces and punishes breaches, it also introduced a pass for cars no longer allowed in traffic in the capital.
From 2027 onward, motorists can buy an annual pass for €350, for a maximum of five consecutive years.
Residents of the capital can buy the annual pass at a lower price, €200 per vehicle.
"We received feedback from the Council of State telling us: striking a balance between environmental objectives and, at the same time, adaptation and greater, more inclusive social accessibility is possible," Persoons told BX1 on Wednesday.
"But we need to provide better justification and a clearer, more objective explanation of why we are making certain choices," she said. "It is certainly possible if we provide all our analyses of the figures to better explain our choices."
