BRUSSELS — The federal government earned a record EUR 299 million in traffic fines last year, 13 percent more than 2004.

However, it is not yet clear whether the total amount rose because more fines were imposed or that the fines were on average more serious offences.

The Finance Ministry said in total EUR 299,517,606 was earned in traffic fines, of which EUR 151.1 million was earned via on-the-spot or postal-delivered fines.

The total amount of on-the-spot or postal-delivered fines was double the amount in 2004.

A portion of the money earned from traffic fines goes to the traffic safety fund, which is eventually allocated to local police corps.

However, the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) said problems remain with the distribution of earnings.

It said 83 percent of fines are imposed in Flanders and just 5 percent in Wallonia, newspaper ‘Het Belang van Limburg’ reported on Monday.

Despite the imbalance, more than 50 percent of the income from traffic fines goes directly to the Wallonian government’s coffers.

The Flemish government wants to discuss a re-division of this income when the nation’s regional governments meet in March.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news