The great wish of Watteeuw, who was born in Moorslede in West Flanders, was to expand the low emission zone in the Ghent region. Jo de Coninck wrote on his Instagram Watteeuw's dream comes true. Perhaps the way we got there now is sad. They also secretly enjoy the peace and quiet that there is now as a local resident of the R4. Perhaps the quietest period ever.

Ghent center too, without tourists. Wonderful that rest. No Ghent scenes to be recognized, including the quarreling Ghent neuzekes sellers and waffle shops. Many people are secretly very bad 'content' because they no longer have to be stuck in traffic to drive to work. The otherwise busy evening rush hour has completely stopped. It is also a bit of a surreal image.

Ghent, sustainable and climate neutral

Anyone who does not respect the rules of the Ghent low-emission zone (LEZ) will no longer be fined. In response to the corona crisis, the city council has decided that offenders will receive a letter stating that it is a temporary measure. Air quality remains important for every resident of Ghent, even during a pandemic.

In early 2020, a low-emission zone (LEZ) was introduced, in a zone that coincides with zone 30 within the R40, in which the most polluting (diesel) cars are kept out. This was to be a first important step to further improve air quality. The LEZ will be extended to all residential areas within the R4, and even to the Port Area. The introduction of the LEZ is linked to a package of accompanying social measures.

no Ghent Festivities

Until the very last moment, Ghent harbored the hope that Festivities could still take place, at least in a light version. But all this hope has now gone for good. The Ghent Festivities 2020 may not be organized. That is the logical conclusion after the announcement of Prime Minister Wilmès (MR). More than one million visitors come together every year at the Ghent Festivities. No tourists, no polluting cars, no extra air pollution. Here too, Watteeuw's LEZ policy can add extra benefits.

“It is surreal. It is unthinkable, since the Ghent Festivities since the First World War that the celebrations were canceled. But the message is clear. ”, Annelies Storms, SP.A ships from Feesten in Ghent.

how often should we say it? stay in your dorm!

Last week, the Ghent police issued 314 PVs as a result of non-compliance with the corona measures. That's more than double last week's numbers. Every person in Ghent who gets into financial difficulties can now apply for support from the PCSW. Ghent does not let the residents sit in the cold in their room.

But also typical Belgium again. You need mouth masks make yourselfbut you can't get behind dust. If you are creative you are also blocked because you do not get the necessary material. Fabric, lining, stitching side, elastic. Temporary residential areas and one-way streets will pop up here and there next week. This way everyone can keep sufficient distance. The city of Ghent is currently examining which streets can be temporarily converted into car-free streets.

Also read: Without LEZ registration you cannot enter Ghent and Antwerp