Carpool lane: ‘Save 20 minutes every morning’

Before we begin, it is worth reminding ourselves who can use this lane. The rule is simple: as long as there are two people in the vehicle, the carpool lane can be used during rush hour. As a reminder, the speed limit is 90 km/h on all three lanes during normal hours, reduced to 70 km/h during rush hour (6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.).

The ACL and its Traffic Information team have been closely monitoring the use of this new infrastructure. ‘Humans are creatures of habit, and what we have observed confirms that anything new takes time to become established,’ the team points out, adding: ’In the first few days, the third lane was little used. It is difficult to say whether this was due to a lack of information or to carpooling still being a relatively new practice.’

A few hiccups at the start

Between Croix de Gasperich and the Berchem area, signs clearly display ‘+2’. However, at first, this indication caused confusion: did it mean two or three occupants? Did a baby or young child count? Naturally, the change raised questions.

The answer is simple: yes, a baby or young child does count as a passenger. Every human being is counted, regardless of age. This means that there must be at least two people in the car. However, your pet does not count as a passenger, even if you consider it a member of your family.

What is the situation after seven weeks?

‘The carpool lane is slowly but surely becoming more popular. Drivers are starting to understand how it works and are therefore using it,’ observe traffic officers.

Through their radio announcements, they regularly remind motorists to use it: ’It’s also our job to prepare users for new developments.’

This observation is backed up by a testimonial from a member of the ACL who contacted the traffic information service and said that she has been ‘saving 20 minutes every morning’ since the third lane was opened. This is a significant time saving, especially during rush hour!

A change that is still tentative

Despite everything, the team still notes a certain reluctance to use this lane: ‘It’s hard to say exactly why,’ admit the officers. At this stage, we cannot yet talk about a major impact on rush hour traffic, even if a slight improvement is noticeable. It will take a little more time and hindsight to fully assess the effects of this new measure. It is still too early to draw any definitive conclusions, but the Traffic Information team will continue to monitor the situation.

In addition, the Department of Public Works and the Ministry of Mobility are also monitoring changes in usage so that conclusions can be drawn by next year.

Automatic fines in 2026

While Yuriko Backes, Minister for Mobility, has been firm on the issue of compliance with the +2 rule, emphasising that police checks will be carried out as soon as the lane is opened and that there will be no transition phase, automatic speed cameras will be introduced at the beginning of 2026. A test phase will take place between now and the end of the year. For the time being, it is not uncommon to see motorcycles and single motorists using it.

The Belgian lane still seeking acceptance

Inaugurated in 2019, the 10-kilometre carpool lane on the E411 motorway between Arlon and the Luxembourg border is struggling to win over motorists.

Unlike its Luxembourg counterpart on the A3, this dedicated lane has several distinctive features. It is located on the right-hand side of the road, whereas the Grand Duchy opted for a left-hand lane. Initially reserved for vehicles carrying at least three people, it is now accessible to vehicles with two occupants, a measure adopted in January 2025 to try to increase its use.

Despite this relaxation, usage remains low. The infrastructure, which cost the Belgian public purse €13 million, remains underused five years after it was opened.

‘Although I had mixed feelings about the usefulness of this lane at first, I must admit that I have since changed my mind. The infrastructure makes sense for improving mobility,’ explains Laurent Mertz, a member of the Chamber of Employees Committee and a daily user of the Arlon-Luxembourg City route. ’However, it is sad to see that 50% of users do not follow the rules. Half the time, the vehicles are occupied by only one person, and many drive well above the speed limit. This creates tension on the road. Checks are rare, if not non-existent, and the fine, which is only €90, has no deterrent effect. I am certain that there will be an accident eventually.’

He also points to a lack of cross-border coordination: ‘The lane is on the right in Belgium, while Luxembourg plans to install it on the left. This shows that it is still very difficult for neighbouring countries to agree. I recently used the carpool lane on the A3, and it’s quite unsettling to see it on the left.’

To date, the Belgian lane stops at the border. An extension on the Luxembourg side is planned by 2035, but it would be on the left for technical reasons. This configuration is likely to complicate the junction between the two systems. In Belgium, the estimated cost of moving the lane to the left is €20 million, which the authorities consider excessive.