Half a million more traffic offences in 2024 than previous year

Nearly half a million more traffic offences were recorded in 2024 than in 2023, according to new figures published this week by the justice ministry.

In total, 7,448,482 offences were recorded in 2024, an increase of 499,681 compared to the previous year.

The increase is especially notable in Wallonia - up 44% over the period 2022-2024 - and Brussels (up 32%), though Flanders still has the highest absolute number of traffic cases at 4.4 million.

The majority of the offences (64%) during the period 2022-2024 were committed by individuals (compared to 36% by commercial drivers and businesses), with 84% of those committed by Belgian residents.

Outside of Belgium, traffic offenders were mainly residents of neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands (5.69%), France (4.98%), Germany (1.7%) and Luxembourg (0.7%).

An estimated 93% of offences were immediately detected and the majority of immediate fines issued relate to speeding.

About a third of traffic offences in Belgium are committed in company cars and in 2023 and 2024 - and in these cases, about three quarters of companies identified the driver – a significant increase compared to 2022, when only 57% of companies identified the driver.

The change is likely because in the spring of 2023, the fine letter for companies was amended to more clearly state that companies that do not identify the driver risk an amicable settlement of €500.

The option for the company to pay the traffic fine itself has also been removed, and the driver receives a separate letter with a payment request after identification.

Road accidents in Belgium claimed 43,591 victims last year, including 363 fatalities.

The 32% increase in Brussels represents 550,000 recorded offences, accounting for 8% of all recorded traffic offences last year.

There are two explanations for the development, according to Edward Landtsheere from the justice ministry: more speed cameras and reduced tolerance margins.

A similar trend occurred in Wallonia, while Flanders has long had more speed cameras and narrower margins of tolerance.

Many Flemish municipalities also punish minor offences with municipal administrative fines, resulting in higher total counts of offences. Brussels and Wallonia do not have this system.

“We are reaping the benefits of previous investments, such as more speed checks, mobile cameras and close cooperation with police services,” the justice ministry added, pointing to a 10% increase in the number of offences detected by a mobile camera between 2023 and 2024.