Flemish councils expect 540m euros from speeding fines by 2029
Flemish cities and towns expect to raise around 540 million euros from speeding fines over the next four years, according to figures analysed by Het Laatste Nieuws.
Local budgets show that income from speed cameras is set to rise from 119 million euros in 2026 to about 140 million a year by 2029. Much of the money comes from GAS 5 fines, for speeding in 30 km/h and 50 km/h zones, which councils are allowed to keep.
Some cities stand out. Ghent expects its income to jump to more than 13 million euros a year by 2029. Smaller towns are also counting on millions, even with relatively few residents.
Road safety group Vias has criticised the plans, saying it sends the wrong message. “You should not budget for people breaking the law,” said spokesperson Stef Willems. “Ideally, that figure should be zero.”
Flemish MP Maurits Vande Reyde (Durf) was even harsher, calling the practice “shameful”. He said speeding fines risked becoming a revenue model, rather than a tool to improve road safety.
Several mayors argue that the money will be reinvested in safer roads and cameras. But critics warn that relying on fines could undermine public trust, especially as many of those who pay are drivers from outside the municipality.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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