Brussels firefighter fined €240, faces 2-week driving ban

Sarhan Basem
Credit: VRT NWS

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A Brussels firefighter was fined €240, reduced to €160, and given 2-week driving ban. He is allowed to drive his fire truck.

A firefighter from Brussels received a 2-week driving ban and fine of 240 euros, but he only has to pay 160 euros. He is still allowed to drive his fire truck. His lawyer asked for this exception because the man needed a special driving licence to work as a firefighter. 

He drives the pump truck and works on weekends and holidays. Without this licence, he cannot do his job. The judge agreed, saying the ban does not apply to his special licence, so he can continue driving the fire engine and keep working.

What did Judge Van Laethem say about the firefighter’s violation?

Police judge Johan Van Laethem did not accept the man’s explanation or his apology. He was especially concerned because the man was a firefighter. The judge said that firefighters should know how important it is to keep the hard shoulder clear. This lane is meant for emergency services that need to respond quickly.

The judge pointed out that it is troubling for a firefighter to use the hard shoulder for personal reasons. He emphasised that firefighters rely on this lane during emergencies, so it should not be used improperly. Judge Van Laethem said that people who work in emergency jobs have a big responsibility to follow the law and keep everyone safe. 

He mentioned that the hard shoulder should always be clear for emergency services, including firefighters like the man who was caught. The judge pointed out that someone in the man’s position should understand this better than most people. The judge emphasised how important it is to respect traffic rules that are made to save lives. Without this licence, he cannot do his job Defendant’s lawyer.

What led to the police stopping a driver on the hard shoulder in Brussels?

On November 9, police in Brussels stopped a man for driving on the hard shoulder of the A8/E429 motorway in Lembeek. This happened during a traffic jam. Many cars were using the emergency lane to avoid the traffic and leave the motorway. The police were watching and caught the man in the act. Police mentioned that driving on the hard shoulder is a serious violation. It can put other drivers in danger and block the lane for emergency vehicles.

According to the man’s lawyer, he knows he made a mistake and feels bad about it. The lawyer explained that the man acted quickly because he saw other drivers using the emergency lane. He admitted that following them was a rash choice because he was frustrated with the traffic. The lawyer added that the man is ready to take responsibility for what he did and understands how serious it is.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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