Brussels Cuts Speed to 30 km/h, Boosts Transit to Ease Congestion

Brussels stands as the most congested city in the world according to INRIX traffic surveys, with peak congestion on the Brussels Ring R0 occurring between 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-19:00 on weekdays. Local services and decisions focus on a mandatory speed limit and the STIB/MIVB public transport system to keep traffic moving despite the current closure at the Leopold junction.

Speed Limits Applied Across the City

The city operates a mandatory 30 km/h speed limit for all road users except trams, emergency services and snowploughs. Exceptions allow 50-70 km/h on major roads and 20 km/h in residential areas. These rules directly address weekday peak periods on the Brussels Ring R0 by slowing traffic and reducing bottlenecks at key access points.

STIB/MIVB Network Offers Alternative Travel

Public transport is managed by STIB/MIVB and covers 4 metro lines, 19 tram lines and over 60 bus lines. The Noctis night network runs on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 3 AM. A single STIB ticket costs €2.10 from a machine or €2.60 at a sales point and remains valid for 60 minutes across all metro, tram and bus services. Contactless bank card payment is available at all stops, allowing residents and visitors to avoid road use during congested hours.

The closure of the Leopold junction accessing the ring road continues to affect south and east access to the city. Authorities therefore encourage use of the STIB/MIVB network during the affected periods. Residents can plan journeys with the existing ticket options and contactless payment system to bypass the disrupted routes.

Travel choices remain centred on the speed limit rules and the STIB/MIVB timetable. Those needing to move through the city outside peak windows on the Brussels Ring R0 can rely on the 60-minute ticket validity and the Noctis service on weekend nights to maintain reliable connections.