Brussels bans cars for a day, plans to expand the initiative
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On September 20th, authorities in Brussels, Belgium prohibited cars from driving anywhere within the Brussels-Capital Region for nearly ten hours, from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
This car-free day was the 26th edition of the event, held as part of European Mobility Week. Cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and people using scooters and roller skates used the normally car-filled streets. The Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB) offered free public transportation and increased service capacity throughout the day.
Exceptions to the ban allowed public transport, emergency services, police, some taxis, and vehicles with special permits to travel, though at a limited speed of 30 kilometers per hour. Highways and the Brussels ring road remained open while access to the region was restricted for other vehicles. This year’s event expanded beyond the capital city, with over 70 cities and municipalities across Belgium hosting car-free days, a national record.
The regional government of Brussels intends to add a second car-free day each year, in addition to the traditional event in September. They have proposed May 2nd, 2027, but the date requires approval from the 19 municipalities within the Brussels-Capital Region. A survey from April 2026 showed 70% of Brussels residents support holding more car-free days, with many wanting at least two per year.
Environmental groups believe these events reduce pollution and noise, while the mobility organization Touring argues that investment in reliable public transportation is a better solution.
