What's new on 1 January? (part 4: driving and housing)
The start of a new month traditionally heralds a number of changes. This is also the case for January, and with a new year kicking off, the list is even longer than usual. This is why we split things up in different categories. After money, families and work, it's time for housing and traffic.
- The new gas and electricity prices are taking effect. It is estimated that electricity bills for an average Flemish family will go up 50 euros on a yearly basis, but at the same time natural gas prices are expected to drop. Prices however can differ a lot according to the region where you live.
- Stricter roof insulation standards are being imposed for studios, houses and flats that were built in Flanders before 2006. An estimated 400,000 houses in Flanders are currently not meeting the new standards, but house owners have until 2020 to take action.
- If you want to put your property up for rent or sell it, you have to report whether the real estate has been protected or put on a heritage list. If you don't, you risk a fine of up to 10,000 euros.
- Professional drivers (lorries, taxis and buses) are facing stricter drink-driving standards. The maximum alcohol limit has been lowered to 0.2 per thousand.
- Drivers (also non-professional drivers) found flouting traffic rules on various occasions will receive a harsher punishment. As from the second offence, they risk having their driver's licence suspended for 3 months. The new rules only apply to heavy offences.