Lier (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Lier, Vlaams Belang held a protest at Antwerpsestraat and Kartuizersvest over traffic jams. Municipal Councillor Ellen Lissens cited congestion, while Alderman Bert Wollants defended ongoing roadworks
As VRT News reported, in the city centre of Lier, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, the Vlaams Belang party organised a protest to highlight the growing traffic problems. The demonstration was held at the intersection of Antwerpsestraat and Kartuizersvest, a location with heavy traffic during the week.
Municipal Councillor Ellen Lissens (Vlaams Belang) indicated the location was selected because it is where cyclists and cars pass continuously. She also stated that the protest could have taken place at any place along the ring road, since the congestion covers the entire city. She noted that traffic jams are so bad that, even on weekends, Lier often comes to a complete stop.
“We want to wake up the city and tell them that things can no longer continue like this.”
Ellen Lissens (Vlaams Belang), municipal councillor in Lier
What is causing traffic jams in Lier, and how is the city responding?
As part of the action, party members handed out pastries to drivers stuck in traffic. Vlaams Belang emphasised that the jams are not coincidental but rather caused by poor local administration. They specifically mentioned wrongly set traffic lights, poorly planned construction, and the overall absence of a coherent communications strategy.
“There are more and more 50 km/h zones, 30 km/h zones, average speed checks, and speed cameras. But mobility must once again serve the public,”
Says Lissens.
“That means well-considered planning of work, smart traffic lights, and better communication. Not a coercive anti-car policy, but a policy where everyone can drive smoothly and safely through the city.”
The city of Lier says the traffic problems are mainly caused by several roadworks happening at the same time. Work has been underway for weeks on the Aarschotsesteenweg and the Antwerpsesteenweg, 2 of the city’s busiest roads.
“We ask for some understanding, because it is important that we as a city continue to invest.”
Bert Wollants (N-VA), alderman for public works in Lier
Alderman for public works Bert Wollants (N-VA) defended the decision to carry out the works. He said Vlaams Belang often complains about bad paving and potholes, but then also criticises the delays when repairs begin.
“You have to know what you want,”
Wollants said.
He added that the city has a duty to invest in new paving and that this will always affect traffic.
“You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs,”
He said. The city is asking for patience and understanding from residents and has promised to improve communication about ongoing and future projects.
“We have a separate page listing all construction projects and detour routes. But we’ve noticed that contractors aren’t always posting the signs correctly. We want to focus on this even more and enforce it more rigorously, so it’s clearer for everyone,”
Says Wollants.
For several years, Lier has suffered from traffic congestion issues. Since 2015, the Aarschotsesteenweg and Antwerpsesteenweg have also undergone maintenance and expansion. In 2018, the city installed a new traffic light to facilitate the traffic flow.
However, the increased number of cars and bicycles has increased traffic congestion. In both 2022 and 2023, roadwork was also undertaken to provide new pavement and infrastructure. Unfortunately, it caused delays due to overlapping events of the first and second projects.
