Skip to main content

Belgium considering tolling to pay for roads and tunnels

Belgium is considering tolling options as a mean to fund necessary road and tunnel developments and upgrades. The Brussels region is expected to spend between €500 million and €1 billion in order to update a series of key tunnel connections, with tolling being considered to raise a part of the funds required. A toll could be applied for the Léopold II tunnel during peak hours. According to Belgian consultancy company Stratec, traffic congestion could be reduced in Brussels by implementing an area charge dur
January 27, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Belgium is considering tolling options as a mean to fund necessary road and tunnel developments and upgrades. The Brussels region is expected to spend between €500 million and €1 billion in order to update a series of key tunnel connections, with tolling being considered to raise a part of the funds required. A toll could be applied for the Léopold II tunnel during peak hours. According to Belgian consultancy company Stratec, traffic congestion could be reduced in Brussels by implementing an area charge during peak hours. A pay for distance charge could also be used, based on a recording device installed in cars. Brussels suffers amongst the worst traffic congestion in Europe and measures to reduce this problem have been discussed for some time.

Meanwhile the Flanders Region plans to invest an additional €140 million in its transport network by mid-2017. The budget for road works can be increased by €100 million due to pay for use charges on HGVs. A budget of €36 million will be invested in preparatory work for the new Oosterweel link in order to help cut congestion in Antwerp.

Related Content

  • Doha’s massive ring road expressway project
    July 10, 2019
    The huge Doha ring road project will help decongest the city and improve transport for Qatar
  • Increased infrastructure spending
    February 22, 2012
    With economies booming in the BRIC countries and other regions, spending on infrastructure is at a high - Patrick Smith reports As economic crisis grips much of the world, many countries are still spending billions on infrastructure to improve transportation. While the USA and Europe struggle with debt problems (and this has affected much of the rest of the world) the development of highways, airport, ports and other infrastructure is gathering pace in other regions to boost economic developments.
  • Road user charging for the UK?
    November 17, 2020
    Road user charging is being considered for the UK.
  • Switzerland’s new tunnel bore being built
    April 19, 2018
    A major new road tunnel project is being constructed in Switzerland – Mike Woof writes Construction work is now underway in Switzerland for the new Belchen Tunnel bore, a project that has resulted from the country’s long-term infrastructure planning. The building of this latest tunnel is important for Switzerland economically as it will deliver an upgraded link for a major transport infrastructure connection. When it is complete, the tunnel will form part of the vital A2 route between Basel, in the north