Police Belgium don’t write out fines for a month

Strike

Strikes are often a useful means of forcing a wage increase. Especially if the consequences of going on strike are major. Think of buses and trains not running, bringing a country to a standstill. If the police stop working, the potential chaos will be utterly incalculable. In Belgium, this seems to be happening now. At least the police still go after crooks, but no longer hand out traffic fines.

One month

From Thursday, Dec. 15, to Jan. 15, traffic offenders will have extra leeway in Belgium. Officers still hand out fines, but not for minor offenses, such as wrong-way parking, not wearing a seat belt, talking on the phone behind the wheel or, for example, not having proper lights on your bike.

Flashes

Whether police will continue to conduct flash checks they would not yet say. For speeding tickets, officers will decide whether a fine is necessary. Many road users will no doubt welcome these actions, but if they do not help, less public-friendly actions will come. For example, there are plans to conduct additional alcohol checks around Christmas. Even during rush hour, which will cause long traffic jams.

Why are they angry?

Belgian police unions are angry at the government for delaying an agreed wage increase. A sudden increase in the retirement age has also created bad blood. By handing out fewer fines, the flow of money to the state treasury dries up. Only truly dangerous road behavior will still be fined. Consider offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol.

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