Belgian record of speeding fines in 2022: 707 per hour

Last year, a record number of drivers in Belgium were fined for speeding. The number of fines went up from 4,9 million in 2021 to 6,2 million in 2022 (+27%) – that is no less than 16 980 per day or 707 per hour. An explanation for this spectacular increase is to be found in the new average speed checks.

According to a recent study by Vias traffic safety institute, eight out of ten motorists drive too fast in zone 30. On roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 or 90 km/hour, the number of speeding drivers has risen again in recent years. “In ten years, the percentage of drivers speeding on roads with a maximum speed limit of 90 km/hour has almost doubled,” says Stef Willems, spokesperson for Vias.

More casualties on Belgian roads

Also, the number of road casualties on Belgian roads increased again. Last year, 521 people died in traffic, 38 000 got severely injured. Excessive speed was one of the main causes. Still, these figures are not inducing drivers to slow down.

Vias, therefore, pleads for increased enforcement, extra speed cameras and section controls, and a driver’s license with points to tackle recidivism. “Traffic signs could be improved as well,” says Willems. “Too often it’s unclear whether you’re allowed to drive at 50 or 70 km/hour.”

Additional measures

Belgium scores significantly worse than its neighboring countries regarding road casualties. Last year, they increased by 8% compared to 2021. Our country registered 52 casualties per million inhabitants while the European average was 46. So last year, some additional measures were taken to improve traffic safety.

More average speed checks were installed, and the number of employees responsible for the transaction of speed offenses increased from 69 in 2021 to 102 in 2022. The quotas and tolerance margins on highways were also abolished. All these things led to more speeding fines.

‘Cultural problem’

According to Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo), “urgent action is needed” to tackle excessive speed on the road. “Speed, alcohol, and distraction at the wheel are three killers in traffic.” The minister considers speeding “a cultural problem”.

Gilkinet sees benefits in training for drivers whose driver’s license is revoked, sanctions against the glorification of excessive speed, progressive fines for speeding, and a more effective approach to recidivism.