The Belgian capital just introduced a ban on the movement of Euro 3 diesel vehicles. (Courtesy photo)

More diesel vehicles banned from Brussels

CHIEVRES, Belgium -- Since Jan. 1, 2020, more diesel vehicles are banned in the Brussels-Capital Region. The Belgian capital just introduced a ban on the movement of Euro 3 diesel vehicles.
If you have a “category M1” car registered between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2005, or a “category N1” van, you are no longer authorized to drive it in Brussels.

To check if your vehicle is affected, you have to enter your license plate number and date of first registration on https://www.lez.brussels/mytax/en/ 

Brussels has instituted a Low Emission Zone, or LEZ, since Jan 1, 2018 and already banned Euro 0, Euro 1 and Euro 2 diesel vehicles. A LEZ designates an area where the most polluting vehicles are prohibited from travelling. This measure is being enforced in a large number of European cities to improve public health. In Belgium, Antwerp and Ghent also have a Low Emission Zone.  

If your car falls in that category, you have two options. The first one is to use transit car parks at the entrances to Brussels, and then choose alternatives to the car: public transportation car sharing, or bicycles.
The second option is to purchase a day pass and still drive your car. This costs €35 (maximum of 8 days/year). You will find more information about this pass on https://lez.brussels/mytax/en/day-pass-info.

Brussels has posted a series of signs to warn motorists of the new rules, which carry a €350 fine per day if not respected. There is a transition period of three months, in which offenders will only receive warnings. In April 2020, there will be fines for vehicles covered by the new restrictions.

VEHICLE REGISTERED ABROAD
Vehicles registered abroad must be registered before entering the territory of Brussels. The registration must be made via https://www.lez.brussels/mytax/en/ Registration is free. Any non-registered vehicle is liable to a €150 fine.

The next LEZ phase in Brussels will start in 2022. For more information, visit https://lez.brussels/mytax/en/

THE NETHERLANDS AND GERMANY
Many capitals in Europe are likely to ban diesel between 2024 and 2030. In The Netherlands, the reduction of air pollution has been a priority for years. A coalition agreement signed in 2017 provides for all new cars marketed from 2030 to be “zero emission (gasoline and diesel).”

In Amsterdam, taxis and buses using diesel are prohibited from driving in the city. Those who want do drive in the center with their own diesel cars have to buy a pass (€600 for a year). Amsterdam also has a plan called “Clean Air for Amsterdam”, and “low emission” has been in effect since 2008.

In Germany, some cities introduced diesel bans. The city of Stuttgart, for example, has already banned diesel cars with the emission standard 4/IV and lower.

By Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs