Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Dynamic speed control plans between Berchem and Antwerp-South are delayed due to technical issues and police resource constraints.
It has been said that there was a Plan to implement a speed control system between Berchem and the Antwerp-South interchange is currently on hold due to major technical and logistical hurdles. This system aims to monitor the average speed of vehicles over a distance, but it has to adapt to changing speed limits that vary with traffic conditions and time of day. They mentioned that for its proper function, advanced technology is needed to handle these variable limits in real-time and work in sync with changing road signs. Stefanie Nagels from the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) noted that these technological advancements are complex and not ready for rollout yet.
What challenges are delaying the dynamic speed control system?
Another challenge is the federal police’s ability to manage the checks and issue fines. According to Authorities, if a dynamic speed control system is implemented, it will generate a lot more data for the police to deal with, requiring additional resources and better infrastructure to handle the increased workload. The AWV has not confirmed whether the federal police can manage these extra checks. This mix of administrative issues and technical difficulties has delayed the project’s progress.
According to traffic police, once the technical issues are resolved, like adjusting to changing speed limits and coordinating with road signs, the setup can begin. However, the police also need to handle the increased data and enforcement tasks, such as issuing fines. According to Stefanie Nagels from the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic, both conditions are necessary for the project to move forward. Without them, there’s no timeline for when the system will be operational, making its future uncertain.