An unusual traffic incident occurred on the new pedestrian and cyclist bridge at Suikerpark in Veurne on the evening of 2025-07-24 12:30:00. The Suikerbrug, a 200-meter-long bridge connecting Suikerpark over Vaartstraat and Lovaart to Veurne’s city centre, was the unexpected site of a driver’s error. A woman from Koksijde mistakenly drove her car onto the bridge, which is intended only for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Incident occurred at Veurne's new Suikerbrug
- Woman mistakenly drove onto pedestrian bridge
- Police intervened and reversed the car
- No damage; no police report filed
- Mayor notified to install entrance bollards
- Driver ignored residential area traffic sign
According to police chief Geert Verslype, the driver ignored a residential area sign when entering from Zuidburgweg and then hesitated to continue once on the bridge. Police arrived promptly, and one officer helped by driving the car back down safely. Fortunately, no damage was reported, and the incident was deemed a simple case of distraction rather than negligence.
What measures can prevent such confusion in the future, and how will local authorities respond? These questions lead US to the fast answer about the incident’s immediate impact and next steps.
Could clearer signage or physical barriers better protect pedestrian zones from vehicle intrusion? This incident raises important points for local traffic safety:
- Drivers may overlook or misunderstand residential area signs, especially near mixed-use paths.
- Physical bollards can effectively prevent unauthorized vehicle access without harming aesthetics.
- Prompt police response ensured no harm or traffic disruption occurred.
Looking ahead, Veurne’s decision to install bollards could serve as a model for other Belgian municipalities aiming to safeguard pedestrian spaces. Are local authorities ready to act swiftly on similar incidents to enhance road safety?
