Mobility minister cracks down on exploitation of speeding fines
Flemish Mobility minister Annick De Ridder is taking action to address the “unwanted perverse effects” of local traffic fines, De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws report on Wednesday, saying that some municipalities treat them as a lucrative revenue source.
Since 2021, municipalities have been authorised to issue their own administrative fines, known as GAS fines, for minor speeding offences. Fines range from 53-163 euros. While the system eases the burden on police and benefits municipal budgets, it has drawn criticism for prioritising revenue over road safety.
Last year, Flemish municipalities collected 124 million euros in GAS fines, three times more than in 2019. Private firms have also profited. Companies like TaaS have earned significant commissions from municipalities that outsource speed monitoring.
Concerns have been raised about practices that maximise profits, such as avoiding speed-reducing measures near monitoring zones. De Ridder of the right-wing N-VA now aims to reform the system. She emphasises that enforcement should enhance road safety rather than serve as a “money-making scheme”.
On Thursday, she will present a policy note in the Flemish Parliament that outlines plans to evaluate enforcement methods and penalty structures. “We must ensure that traffic enforcement is perceived as fair and prioritises safety over profit,” she said.
#FlandersNewsService | Speed monitoring © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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