The Brussels government is taking three new social measures to help Brussels residents adopt different travel habits. This was announced by Environment and Health Minster Alain Maron (Ecolo).

These include an increase in the Brussels-Air premium for low-income families, new exemptions from the LEZ (low-emission zone) for people with disabilities, and a new range of shared cars for specific target groups.

Brussels’Air up with €100 for low-income families

In 2024, the maximum amount of the Brussels’Air premium will be increased from 900 to 1 000 euros for low-income families. Indeed, the Brussels’Air premium is experiencing growing success, especially among the most vulnerable families.

In 2022, for example, over 2 300 premiums were granted (a tripling compared to previous years), 60% of them to low-income families or families with a person with a disability. The bonus allows Brussels residents who give up their cars to benefit from the offer of sustainable mobility services, such as public transport, cabs, bicycles, scooters, shared vehicles, etc.

Exemptions from the LEZ for people with disabilities

For the LEZ, a new exemption is introduced for people with reduced mobility. This will subsequently apply to all persons with a disabled parking card and specifically adapted vehicles for disabled persons belonging to the parents of disabled minors or individuals recognized as carers (with social rights), even if they do not live at the same address.

The government is launching a project to develop car sharing for specific target groups as a third measure. The government is allocating 400 000 euros to co-finance pilot projects to make car sharing more accessible to single-parent families, persons with reduced mobility, low-income families, senior citizens, and night workers.

In addition, Maron also announced that the Brussels government will set the inclusion of motorized two-wheelers in the LEZ from 2025 to 2028. This will give administrations enough time to change their mode of travel or vehicle, as those vehicles are not subject to technical inspection, it is more difficult to inform all owners properly.