Introduction of road sticker postponed

7 February 2007

BRUSSELS – The target date of 1 January 2008 for the introduction of the road sticker will be difficult to meet.

The three ministers in the Flemish government who are responsible for the road sticker – Dirk Van Mechelen, Kathleen Van Brempt and Kris Peeters – have decided to put the dossier before the Europe Union, the three announced in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Van Mechelen, Van Brempt and Peeters want to be certain that the road sticker system incorporating compensation for Belgians will not come up against opposition from Europe.

They point out that they have always said that they would first clear everything technically and legally before introducing a system. The ministers are currently preparing the dossier for a decision from the Flemish government.

Van Mechelen had already indicated yesterday that he considered January 2009 a more realistic target date for the introduction. He also added that the dossier must be strong enough to stand up under European scrutiny first.

The road sticker is intended to make sure that foreigners using Belgian roads also contribute to the infrastructure.

Subject: Belgian news