The Brussels municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean will implement a maximum speed of 20 km/h on major roads as a result of the new coronavirus (Covid-19), a measure which will take effect from 11 May.
The Molenbeek College of Aldermen approved a temporary mobility plan, which will see the speed limit introduced on places such as the Rue de Ribaucourt, Rue du Comte de Flandre and the Parvis Saint-Jean-Baptiste, on Thursday.
Belgium's National Security Council announced last Friday that the country will take a phased approach out of its lockdown, with many companies restarting as planned from 4 May, and all stores reopening from 11 May, if the evolution of the virus allows it.
Additionally, the municipality will also ask the Brussels Region to implement the 20 km/h speed limit on regional roads, such as the Quai du Hainaut, the Quai des Charbonnages and the Quai de Mariemont, from Sainctelette to Delacroix, as well as part of the Chaussée de Gand.
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"This will contribute to smoother and safer mobility for pedestrians and cyclists," the municipality said in a press release. The mobility plan also stipulates that the Place Communale will be made inaccessible, with an adapted barrier, for unauthorised parking.
On the commercial axis of the Chaussée de Gand, deliveries will only be possible up to 1:00 PM, freeing up space for pedestrians in the afternoon, making sure they will be able to better keep their distance from each other.
"Now is the time, because we will have to deal with a larger flow of cars as the measures become more flexible, but also with a larger flow of cyclists and pedestrians than usual," said Molenbeek mayor Catherine Moureaux. "At the same time, we must ensure that the social distance remains respected. Setting up a Zone 20 and moving to more shared spaces will make this easier," she added.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
