The Regional Mobility Commission was created in 2000. Its mission is to study, evaluate and formulate opinions or recommendations concerning mobility in general, particularly concerning the planning of public space and public transport. It carries out this work either at the request of the government or on its own initiative.
The Commission has four specialised sections, one of which is devoted to people with reduced mobility.
The "People with Reduced Mobility" section brings together representatives of different disabilities ( motricity, vision, hearing, etc.) and representatives of the public authorities (Brussels Mobility, Administration for Spatial Planning and Housing, Brussels Environment, STIB, etc.).
The opinions provided by this section are essential because they are based on a combination of expertise and the experience of the various parties. Mobility issues are discussed in a comprehensive and concerted manner.
In particular, it contributes to improving accessibility for PRMs to buses, trams and the metro in Brussels. It issues recommendations on certain redevelopment plans that are submitted to it. It deals with parking issues for disabled people. On the initiative of its members, it questions the political authorities on certain specific problems, etc.
The 49 members who make up the Commission therefore have a unique opportunity to meet and debate together on themes or projects related to mobility.
Missions
In addition to its advisory capacity, the Regional Mobility Commission is also a forum for information, awareness-raising and exchange between stakeholders. While any member of the regional government can request the opinion of the Regional Mobility Commission, it is free to take up any issue related to its mandate.
In recent years, the members have shown an interest in reaching more consensual opinions that reflect a common vision of mobility, respecting the concerns of all.
In general, and in particular in the field of mobility, consultation is a key element for the success of projects.
Organisation
The work of the CRM is organised both in plenary sessions and through four specialised sections. However, only the plenary session is mandated to adopt opinions for the regional government. These recommendations are based either on presentations (by members or guests) or on the work of the specialised sections. When advices are debated, consensus is always sought. The unanimous approval of almost all advices gives them greater weight when read by the applicant.
People with reduced mobility
The PRM section regularly reviews the progress of the integrated accessibility strategy of the STIB and the Region. It ensures that the specific characteristics of disabled people are integrated into the road and transport infrastructure in order to respect the principles set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the Region has ratified.
In addition, the PRM section, through the Regional Mobility Commission, has issued an advice on the changes to be made to the Regional Planning Regulations (RRU) during the revision process, an advice on the PRDD, as well as an advice on the changes to be made to the definition of and requirements for a taxi with a PRM licence.
Active Modes (pedestrians and cyclists together)
The general objective of the Active Modes section, which was set up in 2013, is to discuss development projects in the Brussels-Capital Region with all the various active users, i.e. PRM (including people with disabilities), pedestrians and cyclists, with a view to drawing up constructive concerted recommendations. In most cases, these recommendations are made before the projects are finalised, so that they can be integrated by the project manager (e.g. before the application for planning permission).
Bicycles
The Bicycle section focuses on the general elements of cycling policy.
Goods
The Goods section meets two to three times a year and focuses on urban logistics policy and projects. Its objectives are manifold. The aim is to bring together actors from different backgrounds, i.e. public, private and academic, but also from mobility, environment and urban planning, to enable them to understand each other better and to reach a consensus on the actions to be taken. The Goods section also highlights innovative projects to generate interest among other potentially interested actors.
In 2018, the Goods section looked at heavy goods traffic in the city and the issue of vans. In 2019, it joined forces with the Commission de Coordination des Chantiers for a session dedicated to the delivery of shops during road works, and then dealt with the issue of e-commerce.
Advices
You can find all the advices of the Commission on our Dutch or French page.