The significant increase in trajectory controls in Flanders is leading to growing discussion about their purpose and impact.
Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) emphasizes that these measures should primarily serve road safety and should not be a source of income for local governments. An in-depth investigation must now clarify whether the checks effectively contribute to safer traffic, or whether they are used as a lucrative profit model.
In cities such as Lo-Reninge and Boortmeerbeek, where the most fines were collected last year, the debate seems to be already underway. "We first made all kinds of efforts to make people drive slower, but nothing worked," said Lo-Reninge mayor Lode Morlion in a response to VRT NWSThe introduction of section controls has led to a clear reduction in speeding violations, but also to a significant increase in revenue from fines.
increase
Since the introduction of the possibility for cities and municipalities to punish speeding violations of up to 20 km/h with GAS fines, the number of trajectory controls has increased significantly. In 2021, this authority was granted to local authorities, with the aim of promoting road safety. According to the regulations, the proceeds from these fines must be reinvested in road safety measures.
In September last year, there were 160 active trajectory control systems in Flanders, according to figures from Het Laatste Nieuws. That number has now risen to 350, more than doubling in just one year. These systems measure the average speed of vehicles over a certain distance, unlike speed cameras that only provide a snapshot. This makes braking manoeuvres to avoid fines pointless and often leads to more consistent driving behaviour.
The financial return from trajectory controls is considerable for some municipalities. In 2022, a total of 124 million euros was collected in Flanders in GAS fines, although that amount does not come exclusively from speeding violations. The current system offers municipalities a strong financial incentive to implement such controls. But according to Minister De Ridder, that should never be the driving force.
“It is important that these measures contribute to road safety,” she said in a response to VRT NWS. “We want to investigate whether they are actually being used in the most vulnerable places. Furthermore, it must be investigated whether the focus on section controls does not prevent other measures, such as improving traffic infrastructure, from being implemented.”
safety or income
Although the positive effect of section controls on speeding is undeniable, the question arises whether they are an effective means of promoting road safety in all cases. Municipalities are now required to reinvest the income in road safety, but it remains unclear how effective this expenditure is. There is also criticism that some controls are installed in places where the risk of accidents is limited, but the income from fines can be high.
Critics point out that investments in infrastructure, such as the construction of safe crossings or cycle paths, can be more sustainable in the long term than cameras. Minister De Ridder emphasises that these aspects will be included in the study. The aim is to determine whether trajectory controls are used in a fair and effective manner.
debate continues
The results of the study will probably be indicative of the policy on trajectory controls in Flanders. Minister De Ridder has indicated that she strives for a balance between road safety and the prevention of excessive income flows for local authorities. It remains to be seen whether this will limit the proliferation of trajectory controls or whether additional regulations are needed to prevent abuse.
