Starting from 2025-07-13 15:00:00, cycling and driving will be banned in five busy streets in the heart of Ghent. The city aims to prioritize pedestrians in these central shopping areas, creating safer and more pleasant spaces for foot traffic.
- Verbod op fietsen en rijden tussen 11-18 uur
- Prioriteit voor voetgangers in drukke straten
- Boete van 58 euro bij overtreding
- Politie controleert regelmatig op overtredingen
- 41 fietsers geverbaliseerd in twee uur
- Advies: fietsers moeten afstappen in gebied
The restricted streets include Donkersteeg, Langemunt, Mageleinstraat, Koestraat, and Kalandeberg with Kalandestraat. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., all vehicles such as bikes, scooters, and skateboards are prohibited, with violators facing a fine of 58 euros.
But how effective will this measure be in reducing traffic violations, and what does it mean for locals and visitors? Let’s explore the key points behind this new pedestrian-first policy.
Is this pedestrian zone a step forward for urban safety or an inconvenience for daily commuters? The police have already reported frequent violations despite the €58 fines, issuing 41 tickets in just two hours recently. This raises questions about enforcement and public compliance.
- Pedestrians have full priority in the designated streets from 11:00 to 18:00.
- All other traffic, including bicycles and scooters, is banned to reduce congestion and accidents.
- Police conduct regular checks to ensure compliance and discourage rule-breaking.
- Fines of 58 euros apply to anyone caught cycling or driving in these zones during restricted hours.
As Ghent moves forward with this pedestrian-first approach, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to adapt their travel habits. Will this lead to a quieter, safer city centre, or will enforcement challenges persist? Only time will tell, but prioritizing foot traffic is a clear step toward a more liveable Ghent.
