LEZ in Brussels: Everything you need to know about the traffic-free zone (2023)
Brussels, a city steeped in beautiful architecture and rich history, has also taken steps to improve air quality and public health. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Brussels, where restrictions apply to polluting vehicles and how to get permission to explore this vibrant city without breaking the rules.
Author: Horst J. Meuter, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
The Brussels-Capital Region, with its lush architecture, historical charm, and vibrant atmosphere, has captured the attention of travelers from around the world. This cosmopolitan city steeped in history offers a magnificent sight for those who walk its streets. However, amid this beauty and activity, the city has taken a significant step to improve air quality and the health of its residents. This initiative is known as the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the LEZ in Brussels.
What Is the Low Emission Zone Exactly?
The term 'Low Emission Zone' (LEZ) means exactly what it says: a zone where the most polluting vehicles are not allowed to drive. This measure is not only taken in Brussels but also in various Belgian cities, Brussels, as well as in other European cities, with the primary goal of improving air quality and public health.
Where Does the LEZ Apply?
The Low Emission Zone applies to the entire territory of the Brussels-Capital Region, which comprises all 19 municipalities in the region. The exact boundaries of the zone are clearly marked on a map available to the public.
Who Is Affected by the LEZ?
The access criteria for vehicles in the LEZ vary depending on the vehicle category, fuel type, and Euro standard. Currently, the following vehicles are not allowed in the LEZ:
- Passenger cars (category M1)
- Vans (category M2)
- Buses and coaches (category M3)
- Light commercial vehicles (category N1, excluding N1 vehicles with body code BC)
- These vehicles are not allowed to enter the LEZ if they run on diesel and comply with Euro standard 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, or if they run on petrol and comply with Euro standard 0 or 1. These criteria will become even stricter in 2025. Starting from January 1, 2025, the LEZ will also apply to mopeds, motorcycles, and other light two-wheelers, as well as trucks.
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When Does the LEZ Apply?
The Low Emission Zone is applicable every day of the week and day and night. This means that vehicles must at all times comply with the access criteria.
Why Is the LEZ Necessary?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the polluting emissions from combustion engines in Europe are responsible for 75,000 premature deaths each year. By keeping the most polluting vehicles out of the city, air quality can improve, which, in turn, will positively impact the health of all residents.
The Low Emission Zone in Brussels is not only a significant step towards making the city cleaner and healthier but also an initiative in line with similar measures in other European cities. It is a collective effort to ensure a better future for all of us. Brussels is showing leadership and laying the foundation for a more sustainable and healthier environment for its residents and visitors.
