Turnhout residents protest new circulation plan, fear isolation

Residents of Turnhout's WoBeg neighborhood are protesting a new city circulation plan, fearing it will isolate them from the city center and significantly increase bus traffic through their streets.

The plan, scheduled to be implemented in early 2027, will alter traffic flow in the city center, including changing the direction of some streets. Walter Dierickx, a resident of Wouwerstraat, argues that the changes will force residents to take lengthy detours for simple errands, like picking up a package. He cited an example where a resident would have to travel 8 kilometers to reach the train station, compared to the current 600-700 meters.

Another major concern for the residents is the proposed increase in bus frequency. The plan includes at least eight buses per hour passing through the narrow streets of their neighborhood, which is home to a school and a facility for people with disabilities. Residents also question the environmental impact, predicting increased emissions due to longer routes and expressing concern that the designated alternative route, Turnhout's ring road, is already frequently congested.

Stijn Adriaensens, the city's mobility alderman, acknowledged the residents' concerns, noting that the WoBeg neighborhood itself had previously raised issues about its livability. He stated that the city had explored allowing residents to pass through restricted areas but deemed it unfeasible due to the large number of people involved. Despite a petition signed by over 98 percent of the affected residents and a previous consultation, the city council has proceeded with the plan, leaving residents feeling unheard.