Brussels, 19 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels Car-Free Sunday will close the entire Brussels-Capital Region to most motorised traffic on Sunday, 20 September, as the Belgian capital gives its streets over to pedestrians, cyclists and other forms of sustainable transport. Restrictions will operate from 9.30am until 7pm, while public transport will be free throughout the day.
Brussels traffic restrictions run from 9.30am to 7pm
The City of Brussels confirmed that motorised traffic will be prohibited across the region during the nine-and-a-half-hour period, except for authorised vehicles.
Motorways and the Brussels Ring will remain open, but access roads into the Brussels Region will be closed. Authorities are advising motorists to consider travelling by train or using park-and-ride facilities outside the restricted area.
Emergency vehicles, police, public transport and vehicles with special permits will remain authorised. Taxi-rank taxis can operate without a special permit, while hail taxis require one. Vehicles allowed onto the roads must observe a 30 km/h maximum speed.
STIB-MIVB makes public transport free on Sunday
Brussels public transport operator STIB-MIVB confirmed that its metro, tram and bus services will be free throughout Sunday, with increased services planned to handle additional passengers.
In its latest guidance, published on 9 September, STIB-MIVB said:
“To make sure you can move around easily, you can use all STIB-MIVB metros, trams and buses for free and our service is increased.”
The operator has warned that metros could become crowded at certain times. Cyclists and pedestrians are also being reminded that buses and trams will continue operating and require longer braking distances.
Brussels plans events throughout the car-free day
Brussels Car-Free Sunday forms the centrepiece of European Mobility Week, which is running from 16 to 22 September. The programme promotes alternatives to private cars, including walking, cycling, trains, trams and buses.
The City of Brussels said the event provides:
“A unique opportunity to (re)discover Brussels in a different light, in a quieter and more peaceful city.”
Events listed for Sunday include a brunch and street party at Beursschouwburg from 11am to 6pm, while activities linked to the Festival of Migrations are scheduled from 1pm to 4pm.
Brussels Metro marks its 50th anniversary
Sunday also marks exactly 50 years since Brussels inaugurated its first metro on 20 September 1976. STIB-MIVB says the network has recorded almost five billion journeys during the following half-century.
The operator will mark the anniversary with an open day at the Jacques Brel metro and bus depot, where visitors can see maintenance facilities, electric buses and other behind-the-scenes operations. The event also celebrates 100 years of buses in Brussels.
Normal Brussels traffic returns after 7pm
The regional traffic restriction is scheduled to end at 7pm on Sunday, after which normal vehicle access will progressively resume.
European Mobility Week will continue until Tuesday, 22 September, with Brussels authorities using the annual programme to promote more sustainable ways of travelling around the capital.
