Uccle (Eurotoday) – A local watchdog group in Uccle is raising concerns about rampant illegal parking across the municipality, citing erratic enforcement and ineffective deterrents. In a two-hour period, the group recorded 175 vehicles parked unlawfully, many obstructing sidewalks. They argue that local law enforcement is failing to uphold parking regulations and accuse the municipality of inaction.
Accusations have also been leveled at Uccle Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR), with the group alleging that he has instructed police not to issue fines for certain violations. Both Mayor Dilliès and the Marlow police zone — responsible for Uccle, Watermael-Boitsfort, and Oudergem — have refuted these claims, calling them baseless.
Is Uccle Facing a Parking and Public Space Crisis?
The issues in Uccle extend beyond illegal parking. Mayor Dilliès has come under scrutiny for several controversial decisions impacting mobility and public infrastructure. A notable case involved the removal of recently installed bicycle parking on Chaussée de Waterloo, a regional road managed by Brussels Mobility. The transport authority sued the municipality, and the court ruled against Uccle, ordering the immediate reinstatement of the bike racks within five days and imposing financial penalties for any delay. The judge deemed the removal a serious breach of public order, emphasizing that the infrastructure was regional property.
Uccle has also faced backlash for its handling of public demonstrations. During a protest at the Israeli embassy in the municipality, police used force to disperse demonstrators. The incident led to a class-action lawsuit targeting the city, the police force, and the mayor. The complaint alleges excessive use of force. Mayor Dilliès defended the police response, stating the protest had not been authorized and that officers acted within legal bounds.
Parking Violations Continue to Rise
Statistics from the Marlow police zone show a continued increase in parking violations. In 2023, 7,254 parking tickets were issued in the zone — up from 6,822 in 2022. Despite these numbers, residents argue that enforcement remains insufficient. For comparison, the Montgomery police zone — covering Etterbeek, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, and Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe — reported only 2,788 parking violations in 2023, less than half the number seen in Uccle.
Many locals in Uccle feel the problem is being overlooked and are calling for stronger measures to address the growing disregard for parking laws and the broader implications for public space and pedestrian safety.
Eurotoday is a daily online publication offering independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a continent-wide outlook, Eurotoday reports on EU policies, key developments across Member States, and global events through a European lens.
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