Belgium: You Will Need To Pay To Use The Motorways |
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File under Travel
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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I preferred Belgium when they didn't have a working government...The Belgium government is going to charge for the usage of their motorways. Until now, their autoroutes were free, and you could riding through Belgium without spending a dime. But on the downside, the roads are in pretty bad shape. To repair the roads, you need a lot of money, and that today is not something most governments have.
Starting in 2016, if the world hasn't ended, people who live in Belgium will need to pay road tax. It's something that most countries in Europe do, so not that much different.
But.... foreigners will need to pay as well. Modelled after the Swiss road tax sticker, you'll need to get one for your motorcycle or car. You will be able to pay for it via the internet, SMS/Text or get one at the gas stations around the border areas.
To make sure people pay, the government is installing 840 cameras that will scan license plates and stickers. If you don't have a sticker, they'll send you the bill.
To tell you the truth, it's a good thing. Belgium is a crossroad of Europe, but their motorways, some 2,000 kilometers, are in a pretty bad shape. If you look at the Swiss, or even the French motorways, were you need to pay to use them, the roads are in excellent shape.
No info yet on how much it will cost, and if the sticker is valid for a year (like in Switzerland).
Via: Le Vif
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