130 traffic tickets were written out for various offenses since June 29th 2015, the day after the inauguration of the new pedestrian centre in Brussels, as well as “181 tickets from judicial authorities following the intervention of a 101 patrol, a misdemeanour caught in the act, or a complaint filed at the police station,” reveal Brussels authorities on Thursday. 3 weeks after the pedestrian zone was extended, city authorities and Brussels Capital-Ixelles police gave an initial assessment of “measures taken to guarantee the safety of all road users,” after questions were raised on the internet in the very first days. Police presence was increased after criticism irrupted, according to Yvan Mayeur, Brussels alderman.
“A total of 24 policemen patrol there every day from 6:30am to 10:00pm,” point out the authorities. The team is supported by 6 additional inspectors on Saturdays during the day. At night time (after 10:00pm) 12 policemen patrol the pedestrian zone. Reinforcements are scheduled there over weekends as well, from Thursday evening to Sunday morning. “Not to mention the intervention of the Hypnos patrol which specialises in fighting noise nuisance, and which has extended its remit to the new pedestrian zone from Thursday evening to Sunday morning.”
Plainclothes officers also go to the pedestrian zone on special missions. 14 administrative arrests have been made so far, relating to inebriation or public order offences, and 19 judicial arrests.
(Source: Belga)
