The number of average speed controls on Flemish roads is increasing rapidly. Newspaper De Tijd reports that, according to a survey by Het Laatste Nieuws and news channel VTM, 159 trajectory speed checks are operational today. By the end of the year, this number will more than double to 349.

Average or trajectory speed checks are more effective than speed control cameras because the former doesn’t provide a ‘snapshot’ but checks a driver’s average speed over a longer distance.

Not entirely happy

Trajectory speed checks have also proven to be successful. Research has indicated that the number of speeding incidents decreased by 78% and the number of accidents by between 15 and 30%.

Yet, experts are not entirely happy with the measure. According to them, there is too little focus on raising awareness. They think it is better to adapt road infrastructure and to prevent speeding.

Raising money

Others claim that municipalities are only interested in raising money. After all, average speed checks in Mechelen and Genk each raised more than four million euros. With 11 average speed checks for 10 000 inhabitants, Hoeselt (Limburg) is the leader in Flanders regarding the number of checks per inhabitant.

Since 2021, local authorities have been allowed to install average speed checks and to collect fines. Violators usually get an administrative fine of at least 53 euros, which goes directly to the municipal treasury.