Brussels, 20 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Debate over the Brussels second Car-Free Day has intensified as the capital holds its annual traffic-free Sunday, with Woluwe-Saint-Lambert saying it does not intend to participate in the additional event proposed for 2 May 2027.
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert Opposes May 2027 Event
The disagreement centres on plans for Brussels to introduce a second annual car-free Sunday from 2027, alongside the established September event.
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert mayor Olivier Maingain has linked his municipality’s opposition to regional spending priorities. He argues that funding should instead support measures encouraging people to cycle throughout the year.
Maingain told Belgian media that Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt was choosing another car-free day over “real support, particularly for associations that develop cycling.”
The regional mobility minister’s office disputes the funding argument. According to figures supplied by the cabinet and reported by BX1, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert received €324,000 for structural activities in 2026, compared with €345,000 in 2025. Almost €780,000 is also planned for infrastructure projects in the municipality this year.
Second Car-Free Day Requires Municipal Agreement
The additional event was included in the Brussels regional government’s coalition agreement. An initial proposal connected it with the Iris Festival weekend, but the timing generated objections because 9 May 2027 coincides with Mother’s Day and comes at the end of the French-speaking school holiday period.
Brussels Minister-President Boris Dilliès responded to that controversy in May, saying officials would seek a more suitable date.
“We are not going to organise it on Mother’s Day,” Dilliès said, adding that the calendar should be considered carefully and with “common sense”.
The proposed date subsequently shifted to 2 May 2027. However, the second event remains dependent on agreement from Brussels’ 19 municipalities.
Brussels Holds Annual Car-Free Sunday
The debate comes as the entire Brussels-Capital Region holds its established Car-Free Sunday today.
Motorised traffic is prohibited across all 19 municipalities from 9.30am until 7pm, except for vehicles with exemptions and specified services. Public transport is free throughout the day, while authorised vehicles are limited to 30km/h.
The City of Brussels describes the event as an opportunity to rediscover the capital as a “quieter and more peaceful city” while promoting walking, cycling and other alternatives to private cars.
Activities are taking place across the city, including street events, cycling activities and programmes linked to European Mobility Week, which runs from 16 to 22 September.
Dispute Highlights Brussels Mobility Debate
The Brussels second Car-Free Day has become part of a wider discussion about how regional authorities should balance temporary traffic restrictions with longer-term spending on cycling, public transport and local infrastructure.
The disagreement does not affect today’s established Car-Free Sunday, but Woluwe-Saint-Lambert’s position shows that implementing a second region-wide event may require further negotiations between regional and municipal authorities.
Municipalities Must Decide on 2027 Plan
The proposed second event is currently targeted for 2 May 2027, but its final form remains unsettled. Regional authorities will need to work with the municipalities before arrangements can be confirmed.
For now, today’s annual event continues until 7pm, when normal motor traffic is scheduled to return to Brussels’ roads.
