In an effort to boost mobility and safety for Brussels residents, smart lights have been installed in traffic lights around the city to detect if a vehicle is speeding as the lights turn red. So far, 50 such lights have been installed in the Capital Region, Brussels Mobility has stated.
In Watermael-Boitsfort, the pedestrian crossing in front of La Futaie school has recently been equipped with smart lights. Boxes have been placed over the lights and a sign warns drivers of the system. But despite the aim to make the area safer, a local told RTBF that since the change they have heard "the squealing of tires as drivers are surprised by the light which starts quickly. I have mixed feelings because some cars don't have time to brake. "
In Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, two smart lights were placed by pedestrian crossings in 2019. Rue Théodore de Cuyper was identified as a danger zone but smart lights have brought a significant improvement. "Since we installed these lights, there have been no more serious accidents on this axis," Olivier Maingain (DéFI) told RTBF.
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Notwithstanding the success of the devices, the cost is considerable, ranging from €80,000 to €90,000 each. This prevents them from being installed everywhere. The Vias Road Safety Institute says that the cost means the devices must be installed strategically.
"The aim is firstly to penalise drivers who go too fast," explained Benoit Godart, Vias spokesperson. " Secondly, it has been observed that some drivers in Flanders go too quickly to stop for red lights. This system needs to be combined with police checks to realise its full effect."
