Almost five years after the introduction of the general 30 kph zone in the Brussels Capital Region, it is abundantly clear that the introduction of that plan was a good idea.
According to Brussels Mobility, there are fewer serious accidents and fatalities, and the introduction of Zone 30 also does not lead to longer travel times.
10 fatalities in 2024 bot not due to excessive speed
Since November 2020, Brussels Mobility has been conducting annual speed measurements at 80 locations in the capital. An analysis of the data from those camera images shows a visible decrease in the average speed on all Brussels roads, both during the day and at night. The new speed limits also do not lead to longer travel times, something that is contradicted by others.
According to the administration, the introduction of the generalized Zone 30 is therefore permanently positive. This is true both on roads where the speed was reduced from 50 to 30 kph and on streets where the speed limit was not adjusted (30 kph or 50 kph).
Of course, that speed limit also directly affects the number and severity of accidents. There were six traffic fatalities in 2023 and ten in 2024, but 19 deaths in 2019, a year before the introduction of the Zone 30. Further analysis also reveals that in 2024, excessive speed did not contribute to fatal crashes.
Additional speed cameras
Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) calls the findings positive, especially because of the goal of moving toward zero traffic fatalities by 2030. “To achieve that, ‘City 30’ is one of the essential pillars in the strategy,” she says. “Five years later, this measure, along with dozens of other measures we have implemented, allows us to nurture the ambition to do as well as Oslo or Helsinki.”
To achieve that goal, the region plans to install additional speed cameras in the coming years. Among others, one will be installed in Birmingham Street in Anderlecht, Boulevard du Triomphe in Ixelles, Karreveld Boulevard in Molenbeek, and Leuven Road in Schaerbeek. In total, there will be eight new speed cameras in different municipalities.
