The historic Belgian city of Bruges, beloved by nationals and tourists alike, has launched a campaign to prevent urination in public places.
With striking posters, the city council wants to make it clear that this unsavoury practice in the city will not be tolerated. Although the fines for public urination are not small, with sanctions ranging from €80 to €350, depending on the place where the perpetrator is caught.
The timing of the campaign has raised a few eyebrows due to the fact that, over the last two years, the problem has been seriously reduced in the city.
Last year, 60 fines were issued, half the number that were handed out for the crime in 2020.
However, according to the city council, this is due to Covid-19-related restrictions when no events took place and people went outside much less. Now that all events are taking place again, the city council wants to take preventive action with the campaign.
Posters used for the campaign to discourage public peeing. Credit: Stad Brugge
The campaign has also drawn attention from many people due to its amusing imagery and use of words. The posters read "dit p(l)ast niet," meaning "this doesn't fit," but also means "unable to pee."
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"We have opted for a clearly visible image," Prevention Councillor Mathijs Goderis said in a press release.
"You will also see big signs which read 'Peed up, you can get a fine.' In this way, we try to bring a clear visual message to the streets and to show that urination in the public space is absolutely not tolerated and will be prosecuted."
The city has an overview of public toilets (both manned indoor toilets and urinals) on its council website.
