Zoersel tackles cut-through traffic in residential areas

The municipality of Zoersel is taking decisive action to combat persistent cut-through traffic plaguing residential neighborhoods between Halle and Sint-Antonius. Residents have long voiced concerns about non-local vehicles using their streets as shortcuts, leading to increased noise, safety issues, and general disruption.

Starting in November, new traffic signs will be erected to clearly indicate that only local traffic is permitted in the affected areas. This restriction aims to redirect through-traffic to main connecting roads, such as the Kapellei and Handelslei (N12) or the Eikenlaan, Driesheide, Halle-Dorp, and Berkenlaan routes. The municipality is also enlisting the support of the local police to conduct additional checks and enforce the new regulations.

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We are going to conduct counts and evaluate after 6 months.

To gauge the effectiveness of these measures, Zoersel will deploy traffic counters throughout the designated zones. Before implementing the restrictions, baseline traffic counts will be conducted to establish a clear picture of the current situation. These initial counts, combined with data collected after the new rules take effect, will allow the municipality to evaluate the impact of the changes.

"We will conduct counts and evaluate after 6 months," stated Danny Van de Velde, alderman for Mobility. This six-month evaluation period is crucial for assessing whether the implemented measures successfully deter non-local traffic and improve the quality of life for residents. The municipality is committed to addressing the community's concerns and ensuring that residential streets are primarily used by those who live there.

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It is very much alive in the neighborhoods between the village centers of Halle and Sint-Antonius. Some streets suffer greatly from cut-through traffic. We must get that non-local traffic out.