Aeroplane nuisance - Minister to invoke conflict of interest on noise pollution standards

Aeroplane nuisance - Minister to invoke conflict of interest on noise pollution standards
Weyts believes that there is a conflict of interest, a point which he is invoking in Flemish interests to stop this idea taking off.

The Flemish Minister of Transport, Ben Weyts (New Flemish Alliance), intends to invoke a conflict of interest, so as to counter the Brussels region's plans. These plans introduce more severe standards for aircraft noise pollution. The Minister seeks to avoid a situation in which these problems have a greater impact on the Flemish periphery of Brussels.

Both De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad are reporting this today (Tuesday).

Mr Weyts confirms that “Owing to the decision by Brussels, the flight paths will simply move from the capital to Flanders. Brussels has all of the airport's advantages, however the region has no wish to endure the pitfalls. These may still rest squarely upon the shoulders of Flanders. This is why I will swiftly demand that the Flemish government invokes the conflict of interest.”

Mr Weyts is following up on the requests of the mayors on the Flemish periphery, a number of airlines and the airport. He is opposed to the legislation around flights that the federal Minister for Transport, François Bellot, is preparing.

The new standards should enter in force on January 1st, but by invoking a conflict of interest, this timescale may become uncertain.

The matter will have to be examined by the consultation committee headed up by none other than the Prime Minister, Charles Michel.

As long as the matter is subject to investigation, no decisions can be implemented.


The Brussels Times


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