Belgium plans car-park alcohol gate trial before possible use at events

Belgium’s federal government plans to test an ‘alcohol gate’ at one public car park to prevent motorists who have drunk too much from driving away, according to an ANP/BELGA report published by Nieuws.nl. Gates at other car parks and public events would be considered only if the trial succeeds. [1]

The government has looked at a Swedish system in which drivers arriving by ferry from Denmark and Germany take a breath test and the barrier stays closed if they are over the limit. It is still examining practical obstacles to wider use in Belgium. The location and start date of the Belgian trial, how it would work and what would count as success have not been specified. [1]

The report also says Belgium plans to lower the legal alcohol limit to 0.2 per mille in 2027 for drivers who have held a licence for less than three years. That change is a separate measure, not a rule already in force. [1]