BRUSSELS — Road traffic remains one of the largest contributors to harmful pollution levels across Belgium. In a bid to tackle this growing public health issue, several Belgian cities have introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZ).
However, the system’s effectiveness is hampered by a lack of uniform regulations, creating a confusing patchwork of rules that vary significantly between the country’s three regions — Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.
LEZs are designated areas where certain polluting vehicles are either restricted or completely banned. The aim is to improve air quality by limiting access for older, more polluting vehicles.
Despite their common objective, the LEZs in Belgium differ markedly in terms of access criteria, vehicle categories, and penalty systems, leaving drivers bewildered and often facing hefty fines.
Brussels-Capital Region: A Stricter Approach with Mixed Reactions
The Brussels-Capital Region was the first to adopt a LEZ, introducing it in 2018. Covering all 19 municipalities except for the Ring Road (R0) and certain roads leading to Park and Ride (P+R) facilities, Brussels‘ LEZ imposes some of the strictest regulations in the country.
More than 300 signs mark the boundaries of the zone, alerting drivers to its rules. Currently, diesel vehicles with Euro standards 0 to 4 and petrol vehicles with Euro standards 0 and 1 are prohibited from entering the zone.
The restrictions are stricter for diesel vehicles, which are considered more polluting. Non-compliant drivers face a fine of €350 per offence, capped at €1,400 annually.
However, drivers with vehicles that do not meet the criteria can buy a day pass for €35, with a maximum of 24 passes allowed per year. Despite facing criticism for its severity, the Brussels LEZ has yielded tangible improvements in air quality.
According to Brussels Environment, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions dropped by 36% between 2018 and 2023, while PM2.5 particles and black carbon levels fell by 31% and 65%, respectively.
However, a recent ordinance has sparked controversy by postponing the next phase of the LEZ from 2025 to 2027. This phase would have banned Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol vehicles, along with certain two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles.
The decision to delay was met with protests, including a mock “burial” of the LEZ organised by the citizen’s collective Bruxsel’AIR.
Flanders: Antwerp and Ghent Lead the Way
In Flanders, Antwerp and Ghent are the only cities with LEZs, each with their own set of rules. Antwerp’s LEZ encompasses the city centre and Linkeroever, barring diesel vehicles with Euro standards 0 to 3 and petrol vehicles with Euro standards 0 and 1.
Foreign vehicles, except those with Dutch plates, must register to avoid fines. Non-compliant vehicles can purchase a day pass for €35.
Fines in Antwerp escalate quickly for repeat offences: €150 for the first, €250 for the second, and €350 for subsequent violations within 12 months. Exemptions apply for vintage cars over 30 years old and vehicles adapted for disabilities.
In Ghent, the LEZ covers the city centre, with similar restrictions on diesel and petrol vehicles. Foreign vehicles must also register for free to avoid penalties.
Ghent offers a flexible permit system for certain diesel vehicles with Euro 4 standards, allowing entry for periods ranging from one week to one year, with fees between €25 and €345. Violations incur a €150 daily fine.
Mopeds, motorbikes, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-powered vehicles are currently exempt from LEZ rules in both Antwerp and Ghent. However, this could change as both cities consider tightening regulations in the coming years.
Wallonia: A Delayed but Ambitious Plan
Wallonia initially planned to implement a region-wide LEZ starting in 2025 but recently postponed the measure to 2026 following backlash.
Unlike the city-specific zones in Brussels and Flanders, Wallonia’s plan is more ambitious, aiming to restrict polluting vehicles across the entire region.
Under the proposed rules, diesel and petrol vehicles with Euro standards 0 to 3 will be banned without a permit or day pass.
Fines are expected to range between €150 and €350 for violations. Exemptions will be available for vintage cars and vehicles adapted for disabilities.
Environmentalists have criticised the delay, arguing that Wallonia’s air quality is among the worst in Belgium and urgent action is needed.
The Walloon government, however, defended the decision, citing concerns about the financial impact on residents who may struggle to replace their vehicles.
A Fragmented Approach to Pollution Control
The discrepancies between the LEZs in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia have left many drivers confused. The lack of a unified policy not only complicates compliance but also undermines the effectiveness of the LEZs in reducing overall pollution levels across Belgium.
Environmental groups have repeatedly called for a federal approach to harmonise rules and close loopholes exploited by drivers crossing regional borders.
In the meantime, Belgian drivers are forced to navigate a confusing landscape of regional regulations, risking substantial fines if they misunderstand the rules. For some, the cost of compliance — whether through purchasing a new vehicle or paying for permits — is simply too high.
The success of the LEZs in improving air quality in Brussels demonstrates the potential of such measures. However, without a cohesive national strategy, Belgium’s fight against traffic-related pollution remains fragmented and far less effective than it could be.
As the debate continues, the question remains: can Belgium reconcile its regional differences to tackle pollution more effectively, or will its LEZ policies remain a patchwork of conflicting rules?
