Minister De Ridder cancels speed checks on bypass of Antwerp Ring

Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA) has cancelled the announced speed checks on the temporary highway next to the Antwerp Ring, known as the 'bypass'. The minister states that it has not yet been proven that this road segment is unsafe. The approach aimed to prevent incidents and traffic jams, as well as reduce noise pollution from fast-moving vehicles.

The decision to cancel the speed checks has been reported in various media outlets. According to Gazet van Antwerpen, the checks were necessary but have now been scrapped. The minister has indicated that speed checks could still be implemented in the future if traffic safety requires it.

In response to the news, De Ridder emphasized that there is currently no evidence that the new road segment is unsafe. This indicates that the minister is cautious in her traffic safety policy concerning this particular location.

While some sources suggest that the checks would have been an important measure to mitigate traffic problems, De Ridder points to the lack of evidence for dangerous situations on the segment.

The decision comes at a time when there is already significant attention in the region for traffic safety and infrastructure. The bypass is intended to alleviate traffic congestion around the Antwerp Ring.

With the suspension of the speed checks, it remains uncertain if and when future checks will be implemented, but De Ridder does not completely rule it out if the situation requires.