There will be no evaluation of the low-emission zone (LEZ) in Ghent for the time being. This is according to Filip Watteeuw (Groen), alderman for Climate and Environment, among others. According to Watteeuw, there is currently too much legal uncertainty, which means that the city cannot and will not decide to evaluate the LEZ and make any adjustments.
The Flemish government recently decided not to tighten the LEZ in Antwerp and Ghent from 2026 onward. Vehicles such as Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 gasoline vehicles will therefore remain permitted in 2026. However, the decision still must be approved by the relevant advisory councils and the Council of State.
Previously, the Brussels government had also decided to postpone tightening the regulations, but that ordinance was suspended by the Constitutional Court, partly to protect the health of city residents.
‘Waste of money’
Like the environmental organization Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Watteeuw now fears that the suspension, pending a final ruling, could also have consequences for Flanders or the city of Ghent. “It would be a waste of money to investigate all kinds of scenarios now that will not be possible later,” Watteeuw said on vrt.news.
That is why the city wants to wait for the official decision from Flanders first, as advice is still needed. That should be available next week.
The effect of EVs must also be considered
In the administrative agreement, the city of Ghent promised to evaluate the LEZ and make any necessary adjustments. Ghent had planned to initiate this evaluation after the summer, but is now postponing it due to the lack of a clear legal framework.
Previous research showed that the introduction had a positive effect on air quality, with half as much soot measured. However, to assess the impact of relaxations in the LEZ, electric cars must also be considered, a point that has not yet been clearly addressed.
