Citizens can challenge fines if ANPR cameras violate privacy rules

Earlier this week it became known that the Flemish privacy watchdog wants to ban the number of route controls in Grimbergen. Since mid-2024, eleven ANPR cameras have been active in the territory of the municipality. The cameras check whether road users adhere to the prescribed speed rules. A local resident had stepped to the VTC because he found it a violation of privacy.

Grimbergen appealed to the Council of State against the decision. According to Graux, it is a possibility that citizens successfully challenge a ticket with those cameras. « We have determined the chalk lines in which cameras can be used. People who are fined and believe that this is contrary to privacy regulations can indeed take steps. »

But it goes potentially further than just Grimbergen. « We have published a general warning, along with the decision to Grimbergen, about how to deal with ANPR cameras, » Graux continues. « If citizens believe that ANPR cameras are being used in their municipality in a way that is not in accordance with those regulations, then they can do that (challenge the ticket, ed.). »

According to Graux, this is « the perfect moment » to commit consultation about how best deals with ANPR cameras. He thereby refers to a study that Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) ordered on, among other things, route controls.

Wim Dries, the mayor of Genk and chairman of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG), notes that more than 300 route controls are active in Flanders and that there are ANPR cameras for judicial goals throughout the country. « Then we surprise that there is so targeted at the local authorities that do this from a clear perspective to road safety, » said Dries.