Diependaele refers to aggression during checks on, among other things, traffic tax. According to figures from his cabinet, there were nineteen incidents in 2021, half of which involved verbal aggression and the other cases escalated to physical aggression. Last year there were 38 incidents, two thirds of which involved violence.
The reason would be the high fines. They run up to 5,000 euros and must be paid on the spot. There are also people who do not immediately see the difference between a tax official and a police officer and therefore act aggressively, says Diependaele.
The inspectors who, among other things, collect overdue traffic taxes on the road and do interceptions in the first line, Diependaele must be able to carry an air gun. “Of course they receive training. These are defensive weapons, with which you cannot kill anyone, but which already have sufficient effect in terms of deterrence,” said the minister. They should also be given pepper spray and handcuffs.
The question to Van Quickenborne was asked six months ago, an answer should be available soon.
Bus drivers and emergency services, such as paramedics and firefighters, are also increasingly suffering from aggression during their work. Or should they carry guns? “That will have to be considered, but it is not my competence,” Diependaele responds.
