The Flemish government is restoring access to old cars in low emission zones (LEZ). After the Council of State canceled the original exemption scheme for old cars, access for old cars would revert to a scheme that allowed them to drive only 12 hours a year with a payday pass within the LEZ in Ghent or Antwerp. With the recommendation of Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA), the Flemish government has now approved a decision in which the Brussels scheme will be accepted and in which local authorities can grant individual exemptions .
A low emission zone is an area where certain vehicles are not allowed for quality of life and air quality, due to the environmental disturbance they cause. After the State Council dismissed the previous LEZ decision that provided an exception for old cars, classic car owners would fall back on a day pass system from April 27, 2024 for a maximum of 12 times a year.
But the Flemish government now wants to accept the Brussels government’s exemption scheme. This arrangement did not meet with criticism from the Council of State. In strict terms, local authorities can decide to grant free exemptions to people with known old cars. The free exemption can be granted to vehicles older than 30 years, which are registered as vintage cars, and which have a Belgian license plate with ‘O’, ‘1-O’ or a personalized license plate.
According to Minister Demir, local authorities have been told about the possibility of exemption that they will receive. “Urgent advice has been sought from the Council of State to legally terminate the amended scheme as soon as possible,” she said.
2024-04-23 16:37:24
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