Fewer cars, fewer traffic jams, less pollution. Which means a safer and more peaceful life for everyone, and more alternative mobility solutions. The Regional Mobility Plan 2020-2030, also known as Good Move, aims to improve the living environment of the people of Brussels, while supporting the demographic and economic development of the Brussels-Capital Region. A brief review of the measures designed to achieve a more respectful sharing of the public space.
Good Move: the 2020-2030 mobility plan for Brussels
Adopted in 2020 by the Brussels government, the Good Move plan resolutely opts for a pleasant and safe city, comprised of peaceful neighbourhoods, connected by intermodal structural corridors and focused on efficient public transport and improved traffic flow. The plan’s measures are designed to provide each user with adapted, facilitated and integrated mobility solutions, enabling them to choose the most appropriate mode of travel for each of their trips, depending on their destination and needs at a given time.
In order to offer a new way of getting around and living in Brussels, Good Move is based around six transversal focus areas:
Good Neighbourhood: supervise mobility in neighbourhoods and improve the quality of life of residents
Good Network: organise transport networks and ensure efficient service
Good Service: offer a range of integrated services to the residents and users of the Region
Good Choice: guide individual and collective choices, without harming individual freedom
Good Partner: ensure partnership governance of the mobility plan
Good Knowledge: update mobility data and regularly assess the Good Move plan.
Brussels 'Zone 30'
This is one of the flagship measures of the plan. Since 1 January 2021, Brussels has become a 30 Zone throughout all of its 19 municipalities. The purpose of this measure? To increase the safety of all users, calm traffic and reduce noise pollution.
You must therefore drive at 30 km/h on all roads in the Brussels-Capital Region, with the exception of some structural corridors, where the maximum permitted speed is 50 or 70 km/h. Conversely, some areas (mainly in the very heart of the city) are limited to 20 km/h. These different speed regimes are clearly indicated by road signs. However, the norm remains 30 almost everywhere (see Brussels 30 Zone map here). And 150 speed cameras will be sure to remind you of it. So lift up your foot!
Kilometre tax... in 2025?
This has already caused a great deal of ink to flow and provoked a lot of protests. The “SmartMove” mileage tax announced in 2019 by the Brussels government is struggling to find an agreement between the Regions.
As a reminder, this proposed tax on car traffic in Brussels is based on three criteria that vary its price (estimated at around €3 to €10 per day):
- The time of travel
- The distance travelled
- The size/power of the car’s engine
With the aim of reducing car pressure in Brussels, the project proposes accompanying the measure with mobility alternatives (car parks at entrances into Brussels and light shuttles to reach public transport) and the implementation of a smart mobility app.
This tax would also exempt Brussels residents from road tax and vehicle registration tax (except for SUVs).
Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Created on 1 January 2018, the Low Emission Zone bans the most polluting vehicles from the entire Brussels-Capital Region. This measure aims to gradually eliminate from Brussels’ traffic any vehicles (N1 cars and vans) that no longer meet the defined environmental standards, in order to improve air quality and thus public health.
From 1 January 2025, diesel cars falling under the Euro 5 standard will no longer be allowed to enter the capital. You can check if your vehicle is permitted to drive in Brussels by using the tool available on the lez.brussels website.
Good to know: replacing a light van with a cleaner work vehicle entitles the buyer to a grant of up to €15,000 in Brussels. More information on the Brussels Economy and Employment website (French).
Increasingly high taxes on company cars
Having a company car is considered as a benefit in kind (BiK) which is taxable according to the following formula:
book value x depreciation rate x 6/7 x CO2 emission rate.
Each year, the reference CO2 emissions are adjusted taking into account the technological evolution of vehicles. Although initially the rate could vary downwards or upwards, it can now only vary downwards, especially as the electrification of the car fleet is making the reference rate lower and lower. The BiK tax therefore increases every year.
Bruxell’Air allowance
The Bruxell’Air allowance is an incentive for Brussels motorists to give up their cars in favour of more sustainable forms of travel. It is aimed at individuals domiciled in one of the 19 municipalities.
In return for cancelling your licence plate (of an M1 vehicle registered in the applicant’s name for at least one year), you receive, under certain conditions, an allowance that you can spend “à la carte” to organise your mobility in Brussels. Depending on your income threshold, this allowance varies from €505 to €1,010 per year and can be spent on public transport, shared bicycles or cars, etc. More information on the Brussels Environment website (French).
Stand-up electric scooters slimming down in Brussels!
At the beginning of 2024, Brussels Mobility announced a drastic reduction in the number of stand-up electric scooters. These are expected to decrease from around 20,000 to 8,000. Initially, only two operators were allowed to continue operating their electric two-wheelers in the capital (Bolt and Dott), but Lime also obtained (temporarily) this authorisation.
Whichever operator you choose, the new rule is that you must park your scooter in one of the 1,300 drop zones at the end of your journey. Otherwise the meter will continue to run, and fines may be issued to users who abuse the system.
Does your employer know about Bicycle Leasing?
Cycling is booming in Brussels, making it very interesting for businesses and their employees to think about leasing bikes. Leasing is available from as few as five cycles. Talk to your boss about it!
A mobility solution always in your pocket?
Your smartphone is your best friend in Brussels!
