Wijgmal (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Leuven police detected 34 road users breaking the rules at railway crossings in Wijgmaal and Heverlee, where lights remained red or turned red during monitoring operations.
The Leuven police detected 34 drivers who illegally crossed railway tracks at Wijgmaal and Heverlee when traffic lights were displaying red during their inspection. Thirty pedestrians and three cyclists, as well as one motorist, were made up of the offenders when stopped on the train tracks because they were caught in a traffic delay. The police found a cyclist breaking the red signal by using a mobile device.
At the Naamsesteeweg Heverlee traffic light, the police detected 9 cyclists together with 3 moped riders, 2 pedestrians and 1 car driver running red lights. A mail report delivering the information will be sent to every offender. The traffic police issued 7 car drivers who did not use hands-free phone devices and enforced 15-day license suspensions. Five cyclers who rode their bicycles while holding mobile phones received punishment through fines.
What is the history of railway crossing violations in Leuven?
Leuven’s Wijgmaal and Heverlee areas face continuous railway crossing violations, which cause police to administer recurrent warnings. The January operation uncovered 36 individuals crossing railway lines during red signal periods, although this pattern has been observed persistently. Excessive risk exists at railway crossings, so driving through red lights results in dangerous accidents, including accidents with trains.
Statistics from Belgian traffic safety show that railway crossing violations consistently cause many yearly road accidents. The Leuven police force has increased its checks to stop dangerous behaviours by pedestrians and motorists through targeted enforcement. The recent law enforcement operation uncovered mobile phone abuse after authorities issued seven driving fines to automobile drivers and five driving fines to cyclists who incorrectly used their phones behind the wheel.
