Energy crisis in Europe: Belgium switches off highway lights

In order to reduce electricity consumption, the lights on Belgium’s motorways will go out at night. Wallonia made the start yesterday. The example should soon be adopted throughout the country.

The motorway lighting shines more or less as bright as day: this has been everyday life in Belgium for decades. What was always unusual for motorists, especially from other European countries, will soon be a thing of the past on many Belgian routes. The lights on the freeways will go out.

Last night, the Walloon authorities made a start in their part of the country – on the route between Liège and Leuven. It is hoped that savings of around EUR 400,000 a year will result from this.

Introduced 60 years ago

In the current energy crisis, anything that reduces the consumption of electricity is the right thing to do, said Walloon Energy Minister Philippe Henry. The example should therefore set a precedent throughout the country. It is planned that, at least in Wallonia, the motorway lights will remain off between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

In the Flemish part of the country, the comprehensive motorway lighting was basically abolished ten years ago. At least half of the routes have been dark since then. This proportion could increase in the coming months.

Motorway lighting was introduced in Belgium around 60 years ago. That should lead to fewer accidents. However, an actual effect has not yet been demonstrated.