[REVISION HISTORY]

Traffic monitoring and enforcement in the Low Countries

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2026-11-07 17:28 UTC → 2026-11-07 22:49 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Traffic enforcement and monitoring efforts continue to expand in the Netherlands and Belgium, with an increasing focus on distracted driving and substance abuse. In Belgium, recent intensive enforcement operations have led to significant penalties. A two-day campaign in West Flanders resulted in the immediate revocation of 139 driver's licenses following checks on 512 motorists, with smartphone use accounting for 205 instances of distraction. In the Geraardsbergen/Lierde zone, ten drivers received immediate fifteen-day license suspensions for mobile phone use during a national crackdown. Additionally, a WODCA operation in Antwerp province targeted speeding and impairment, identifying 118 speeding motorists and 73 drivers who tested positive for alcohol during checks of 523 sampled individuals. Legislative and judicial developments are further strengthening Belgian enforcement. The federal government has approved a draft royal decree to increase municipal administrative sanctions (GAS fines) to align with higher collection amounts for traffic violations. Furthermore, the Court of Cassation ruled that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras can be used to identify multiple offenses from a single image. As of November 1, 2026, Belgium has implemented stricter regulations regarding driving bans. Judges are now generally required to order the forfeiture of a vehicle to the state if a driver is convicted of operating a vehicle while under a driving ban, provided the driver owns the vehicle. This measure, initiated by Member of Parliament Wouter Raskin, aims to ensure consistent action against those disregarding prohibitions, though Raskin is reportedly working on supplementary regulations to address loopholes involving company or leased vehicles. Technological expansion is In the Netherlands, enforcement has also ~~accelerating.~~ targeted nuisance and illegal activities. In The ~~De Haan municipal council approved over 500,000 euros~~ Hague, a major operation at the ZKD industrial estate and Escamplaan targeted street racing and noise pollution. Authorities inspected approximately 150 vehicles, resulting in 75 fines and the seizure of two scooters. The crackdown identified instances of driving without a valid license and driving under the influence of drugs. Fifteen drivers were fined for excessive noise, and their vehicles were issued a ~~new camera network, including ANPR units, to be operational~~ WOK status, requiring mandatory re-inspection by ~~spring 2027.~~ the RDW.

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