September 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., car traffic is not allowed in the Brussels Capital Region including the city of Brussels. (Courtesy photo)

Car-Free Sunday in Brussels scheduled Sept. 22

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- September 22 is Car-Free Sunday in Brussels. The event marks the end of Mobility Week, a European initiative held from Sept. 16 to 22 to promote alternative ways of transportation.

From 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., car traffic is not allowed in the Brussels Capital Region including the city of Brussels. The ban applies to all motorized vehicles except for public transport, taxis, buses, the emergency vehicles and security forces. For safety reasons, the speed limit is restricted to 30 kilometers per hour everywhere.

The closing and the re-opening of the entrances to the region and the tunnels will happen gradually. Therefore, some roads may be still be closed after 7 p.m. Streets in certain neighborhoods might also be closed longer due to celebrations and events.

The public transport of the STIB and De Lijn (metro, bus and tram) will be free that day. The SNCB train will take people to the heart of the city for only €6. This one-day unlimited travel ticket is called the Mobility Ticket. By car, people can drive to parking C of Heysel, where 8,000 parking spaces are available (€5 for the whole day). People can easily access public transportation links from the parking lot.

Pedestrians, rollerbladers and cyclists may not, under any circumstances, use the tunnels during Car-Free Sunday. When traveling in Brussels, cyclists take into account the traffic lights, traffic direction and priority rules.

In certain cases (such as special deliveries, or travel for medical reasons), a circulation permit, valid for the entire region, may be granted. Any such permit is only valid for a single vehicle for the reason indicated on the pass.

For Brussels residents, permits must be requested from the municipal authorities of their place of residence. For people living outside the region, permits must be requested from the municipal authorities of the area to which they are travelling.

Visit www.mobilmix.brussels for more information. To ask for a circulation permit, go HERE. Read all terms and conditions before filling out the form. If people must go to Brussels for professional reasons, then they should ask their employer to get the pass on their behalf.

By Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs