Cost savings: Belgian police no longer allowed to drive faster than 100 mph

Federal Winter Plan

Increased energy costs are causing headaches not only for ordinary citizens, but also for police in Belgium. The so-called Federal Winter Plan, a government plan that aims to keep federal police spending under control, includes interventions that will not leave personnel untouched. For example, police buildings and vehicles are expected to be used more efficiently and sweeping measures taken to reduce energy costs.

Ecological driving style

The plan includes 24 measures. One measure that stands out the most is limiting the speed for police vehicles on highways to 100 mph. Unlike in the Netherlands, the speed limit on highways in Belgium is 120 km/h. Of course, this rule does not apply when the police are called to an urgent intervention. This more ecological driving style is expected to yield about 8 percent less fuel consumption.

Charging at work prohibited

But it doesn’t stop there. Employees who have switched to an electric car should also do their part. Officers and other police employees will no longer be allowed to charge their electric vehicles at work. Electric bikes and scooters are also no longer allowed to be plugged in at the police station.

Relief

Staff are additionally encouraged to be aware of lighting and the use of electrical appliances. “Do not overlight the office and make maximum use of daylight,” the plan states. The use of dishwashers is also being reduced to save energy. Employees are encouraged to choose hand washing whenever possible.

Take the stairs

To also promote physical activity and reduce energy consumption, employees are encouraged to use the stairs more instead of the elevator. According to the plan, this is part of the effort to create a more sustainable and healthy work environment. The thermostat, of course, goes down a few notches. During working hours, the thermostat maxes out at 19 degrees, going down to 14 degrees at night.

“Then when you arrive in the morning it’s freezing cold,” Joery Dehaes of the ACV union responded to the heating measure. “And then those old police buildings just don’t get warm during the day, either. An example? At the Federal Police emergency center in Antwerp, they work with a hat on and a blanket on their lap.”

Also read: Why braking for these mysterious speed cameras is unnecessary