After it was previously reported that the federal road police would be cutting back on alcohol and speed checks as a result of budget cuts, it has now been confirmed that this decision was reverted.
On Monday, it was announced by the ACV Politie police union that the federal road police would carry out fewer alcohol and speed checks during summer weekends and nights, usually regarded as the most common times for people going behind the wheel under the influence.
However, following criticism from various partners, this decision was overturned.
"In response to various questions in the relevant House committee, I immediately contacted the Commissioner-General to reverse that decision," Interior Affairs Minister Annelies Verlinden said in parliament on Wednesday.
"He has since confirmed that he will take positive action on this and reverse the decision of the federal road police. I will never, ever compromise on road safety. So I tell you today with great conviction: the number of checks will not be reduced this summer," she said.
Tweet translation; Road safety is an absolute priority and we will never economise on it. This summer, therefore, checks on the use of alcohol and drugs in traffic will continue.
Originally, it was said the checks would be reduced massively due to budget cuts, which have been affecting various aspects of the Federal Police's work.
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The national police zone has a fixed budget (personnel costs) but also a flexible part for activities and weekend work, among other things, however, the latter has been reduced over the course of the year.
Earlier this week, the spokesperson for the federal police confirmed the cutbacks but stressed that this would not mean that there would not be any proactive checks.
