Computer issues delay new traffic fines system

The increase in traffic fines scheduled to come into effect on March 1 has been postponed because the federal police haven’t been able to update the computer system with the revised amounts, De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad report today. “We’re banking on April 2 now, but I can’t guarantee that it will be in order at this time,” a spokeswoman said. The new amounts have been known for eight months and the legislation was passed six months ago, but this isn’t the first time the police have experienced problems with computer updates, say the two dailies. Fines are being increased for offences including using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free kit (€110 instead of €100), driving through a red light and failing to buckle a child’s seatbelt (both €165 instead of €150) and, for cyclists, riding without adequate lighting or in a bus lane (€55 instead of €50).