For the permanent closure of Rue Saint-Véron to transit traffic

A rural road threatened by dangerous and unsuitable car traffic

Rue Saint-Véron, located on one side in Braine-le-Château, on the other in Lembeek (Hal) and on the border with Clabecq (Tubize), was closed in July 2019 to put an end to the massive increase in transit traffic caused by new real estate projects in Tubize.

This closure was supported by the municipality of Halle, which has since developed an ambitious ecological project: reforesting the areas along the street to connect the Lembeek Forest with the Halle Forest, as part of the Boommarter Plan (https://www.planboommarter.be/).

Additionally, the street is bordered by two Natura 2000 zones – the Lembeek and Bailly forests – protected for their rich biodiversity, and the closed section of the road provided a safe passage for animals between the two forests.

However, in May 2025, following an appeal from Tubize, the Council of State annulled the closure order. Since 2 July 2025, Rue Saint-Véron has been reopened to motorized traffic in both directions.

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A road system completely unsuited to motor vehicle traffic

Rue Saint-Véron is not designed to accommodate heavy traffic flows:

• Insufficient width (less than 3 metres in some places)
• Lack of lighting and infrastructure for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders)
• No designated areas for vehicles to pass each other safely
• Fragile verges, often privately owned, already severely damaged

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Consequences since the reopening

Since July 2025, the situation has deteriorated significantly:

• Explosion of transit traffic, especially from Tubize, Clabecq, and Ittre towards Halle and Brussels
• Endangerment of pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders – many have already stopped using the street
• Speeding and risks for residents leaving their homes or loading their vehicles
• Litter and pollution directly affecting the fauna and flora in the Natura 2000 zone
• Rapid deterioration of the road and shoulders, which are being used for crossings that would otherwise be impossible

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Our demand

We call for the permanent closure of Rue Saint-Véron to motorized transit traffic at the boundary between Braine-le-Château and Clabecq.

This decision is essential to:

• Protect the safety of vulnerable road users
• Preserve the rural, wooded, and natural character of the area
• Promote soft mobility (cycling and walking links between the Halle, Lembeek, and Bailly forests, the Brussels–Charleroi Canal, and neighboring municipalities)
• Respect the environmental commitments made under the Natura 2000 and Boommarter projects

👉 Sign this petition to protect Rue Saint-Véron and restore this unique setting to its natural, safe, and welcoming purpose.

PS: Don’t forget to confirm your signature to the petition via the confirmation email you will receive in your inbox.

Isabelle Linard    Contact the author of the petition