Fewer accidents and fatalities: Brussels' 30km/h zones prove positive impact

Five years after the implementation of a 30 km/h speed limit in most of the Brussels region, the measure has resulted in fewer serious accidents and better behaviour from drivers, new figures reveal.

Figures from Brussels Mobility show a lasting positive effect since the introduction of the Zone 30 on 1 January 2021, Bruzz reports, especially when it comes to safety.

“Zero traffic fatalities remains our ambition,” said mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).

“City 30 is an essential pillar in this regard. We want to move towards a Brussels where children can walk or cycle to school safely.”

Brussels Mobility said the progress was the result of an integrated approach based on three elements: raising awareness of traffic rules and risks, infrastructure measures that encourage slower driving, and targeted speed checks, especially in sensitive locations such as school areas.

Measurements, carried out with cameras at locations without speed checks, show a structural decrease in the average speed on all types of roads at all times of the day, even outside rush hour and at night.

A decrease in speed is also noticeable on roads where the limit has not been changed, such as in some 50 km/h zones.

The number of road deaths in Belgium has been falling for several years - with 2022 as a notable exception. There were 10 traffic fatalities in Brussels in 2024, compared with 23 in 2019.

According to Brussels Mobility, the reduction in the speed limit has not had a noticeable impact on journey times.

To further increase speed control, additional speed cameras will be installed this year in Anderlecht, Ixelles, Molenbeek, Auderghem, Schaerbeek and Saint-Gilles, among other places. Some devices will also be able to detect other traffic offences.

Mobile speed cameras such as Lidar systems will also be used temporarily at various locations on both regional and municipal roads.