Expatica news

More time to cross streets

17 December 2003

BRUSSELS – Federal Mobility Minister Bert Anciaux has decided that pedestrians should be allowed more time in which to cross a street.

The decree was published in the Law Gazette Monday and will come into force on 1 January, increasing crossing time from 1.5 metres per second to 1.2 metres per second.

The Association of Pedestrians, a Flemish non-profit organisation that defends the rights of the most vulnerable among the pedestrians, like the elderly and children, are happy with the measure. 

They have made further proposals to increase pedestrian safety however, such as the introduction of a pedestrian detection systems which can sense when pedestrians are approaching traffic lights.

The association will be undertaking a survey of zebra crossing and traffic light safety in Flanders in the spring.

Subject: Belgian news