## Brussels Rethinks Traffic Plans, Prioritizing Neighborhood Needs
Brussels is taking a fresh look at its traffic management strategies, focusing on neighborhood-specific solutions adn improved traffic flow. The city’s Mobility Minister, David Weytsman, confirmed to local media that existing plans for the Pentagon and Haren districts are undergoing a thorough evaluation, involving input from residents and businesses.
Weytsman emphasized that the goal is not to implement sweeping changes like the controversial “Good Move” plan, but rather to optimize existing routes and make better use of their capacity. “Our aim is to create efficient traffic arteries with safe bike lanes and wide, comfortable pedestrian areas,” he explained. “This will allow different modes of transportation to coexist effectively and meet the diverse mobility needs of our citizens.”
**Traffic Filters Reduced, parking Rules Adjusted**
The existing traffic filters, designed to curb through traffic in the Pentagon, will see a reduction. Only three filters will remain: at Kapellekerk in the Marollen district, on the Vlaamsesteenweg, and on the Koningsstraat. The concrete blocks currently used will be replaced with more aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
Removing the filter on the Koningsstraat was a campaign promise made by Weytsman, but proving more challenging than anticipated. The city management is committed to finding solutions for the neighborhood, which is grappling with traffic congestion due to ongoing work at the train station.The filter at the IJzerplein will be removed, simplifying access to the Small ring Road.
in a move aimed at supporting local businesses and residents, free parking, currently available from 9 p.m., will be extended to 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
**Tailored Solutions for Each Neighborhood**
While the full details of the majority agreement are yet to be released, Weytsman assured the public that the aforementioned measures are part of the plan. The new city council aims to develop policies that cater to the specific needs of each neighborhood. “We want to work street by street and district by district,” Weytsman stated.
The Mobility portfolio, however, falls under the purview of Vooruit, not the MR. Anaïs Maes, the future Mobility Alderman, declined to comment on the specifics of her portfolio at this time. “We are finalizing the details and will present them in two weeks,” she said.
De bestaande plannen in de Vijfhoek en Haren krijgen een grondige evaluatie, met bewoners en handelaars, meldt La Capitale en bevestigt David Weytsman aan onze redactie.De MR-kopman benadrukt dat er geen nieuwe circulatieplannen zoals Good Move zullen worden geïntroduceerd.
“Ons doel is om de hoofdroutes te optimaliseren en hun capaciteit beter te benutten,” zegt Weytsman. ”Deze verkeersaders moeten efficiënt worden ingericht, met veilige fietspaden en brede, comfortabele voetgangersruimtes. Zo kunnen verschillende vervoerswijzen goed naast elkaar functioneren en voldoen we aan uiteenlopende mobiliteitsbehoeften.”
Drie verkeersfilters blijven
Het circulatieplan voor de Vijfhoek ondergaat een aantal wijzigingen. Van de ’verkeersfilters’ die door het vorige stadsbestuur werden geïnstalleerd om doorgaand verkeer in de Vijfhoek te weren, blijven er nog drie over.
De verkeersfilters die blijven, zijn bij Kapellekerk in de Marollen, in de Vlaamsesteenweg en in de Koningsstraat. De betonblokken die hier en daar nog staan, worden vervangen door een esthetischer alternatief.
De verkeersfilter verwijderen in de Koningsstraat was een verkiezingsbelofte van Weytsman, die moeilijker te realiseren viel dan gedacht. Hoe dan ook wil het stadsbestuur een studie uitvoeren om te zoeken naar oplossingen voor de wijk, die kreunt onder de verkeersoverlast door de werken aan het station.
De filter aan het IJzerplein wordt verwijderd, waardoor de uitrit naar de Kleine Ring eenvoudiger wordt.
Maatwerk per wijk
Nog een opvallende maatregel: gratis parkeren, dat nu pas vanaf 21 uur geldt, wordt vervroegd naar 19 uur, doordeweeks en in het weekend.
Hoewel het meerderheidsakkoord nog niet publiek is gemaakt, verzekert Weytsman dat de genoemde maatregelen er deel van uitmaken. Het nieuwe schepencollege streeft ernaar om beleid te maken dat oog heeft voor de behoeften van de buurt. “We willen straat per straat en wijk per wijk werken,” klinkt het.
‘Later communiceren’
De bevoegdheid Mobiliteit ligt niet bij de MR maar bij Vooruit. Toekomstig schepen voor Mobiliteit Anaïs Maes wil vandaag nog niet communiceren over het haar bevoegdheid. “We leggen nog de laatste hand aan de teksten en presenteren die over twee weken.”
## Brussels Takes a Breath on Traffic: Expert Weighs in on New Neighborhood-Focused Plan
**World Today News**: Brussels recently announced a reassessment of its traffic plans, shifting focus towards neighborhood-specific solutions and improved traffic flow. how significant is this shift,and what are its potential implications?
**Dr.Marie Dubois, Urban Transportation Planner, Université Libre de Bruxelles**: This signifies a notable change in approach for Brussels.The previous “Good Move” plan faced significant backlash for its sweeping,city-wide measures,often overlooking the unique needs of individual neighborhoods. This new approach, emphasizing collaboration with residents and businesses, demonstrates a more nuanced understanding of urban mobility challenges.
**World Today News**: minister Weytsman mentioned reducing traffic filters, such as the one on Koningsstraat. How might these changes affect traffic congestion and pedestrian safety?
**Dr. Dubois**:
Reducing filters can indeed impact traffic flow, potentially leading to increased congestion on certain routes. However, the city’s commitment to finding solutions tailored to troubled areas like Koningsstraat, taking into account the ongoing train station construction, is encouraging.
The filter removal at IJzerplein, however, could improve access to the Small Ring Road, potentially relieving congestion in other areas.
The crucial element here is a extensive traffic management strategy that considers the interplay between these changes. We need to see how the city plans to mitigate potential negative effects while maximizing the benefits.
**World Today News**: Extending free parking hours seems like a welcome move for residents and businesses. What are the potential downsides, and how might the city address them?
**Dr. Dubois**: Extending free parking hours could undoubtedly encourage more people to drive into the city, potentially exacerbating congestion and air pollution.
However, it could also support local businesses by making it easier for customers to access shops and services during evening hours.
The key is to implement this measure within a broader framework that promotes enduring transportation modes.
This could involve investing in improvements to public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian safety, making these alternatives more attractive and accessible.
**World Today News**: Minister Weytsman emphasized tailoring solutions “street by street and district by district”.How important is this hyper-local approach in achieving successful traffic management?
**Dr. Dubois**: It’s paramount! Each neighborhood has unique characteristics, traffic patterns, and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective.
By involving residents and businesses in the decision-making process, the city can gain valuable insights into local challenges and preferences. This can lead to more customized, targeted solutions that are better accepted and more likely to succeed.
**World Today News**: What are the biggest challenges Brussels faces in implementing this new approach, and what will be key to its success?
**Dr. Dubois**:
Transparency and public engagement are crucial.
The city needs to clearly communicate its plans,be receptive to community input,and ensure that residents and businesses feel involved in the process.
Secondly,data-driven decision making will be essential. The city needs to monitor traffic patterns,parking utilization,and other relevant data to assess the impact of its initiatives and make adjustments as needed.
a long-term commitment and consistent funding are necessary to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.
Traffic management is a complex and ongoing challenge. This new approach, if implemented thoughtfully and adaptably, has the potential to create a more livable, efficient, and sustainable transportation system for Brussels.
