Brussels adapts traffic lights to corona situation

Brussels Mobility has adapted the coordination of traffic lights in the city in order to better respond to the lower traffic pressure. As a result of the corona restrictions, there is 55 to 75% less traffic on the major Brussels traffic axes. Earlier, it was reported that this caused more speeding in the city.

This will result in shorter traffic light cycles at about a hundred intersections. It will also automatically turn lights for pedestrians and cyclists to green. Moreover, Brussels Mobility will give priority to emergency services at crucial intersections in the capital. The Brussels mobility agency manages 500 intersections with traffic lights every day.

Health and safety

The adjustments will benefit all road users. Car drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will have to queue for less time. Pedestrians who want to cross Belliardstraat, for example, now have to wait 40 seconds less.

“Cycling and walking are the best way to get around. To ensure that these categories too can keep a sufficient distance, we reprogrammed the lights. Cyclists and walkers will have green light longer and more often, so there will be no traffic jams at the lights,” says Minister of Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).