The Brussels regional authorities plan to use signs in the region's metro tunnels to post emergency messages during crises including terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Security organisation safe.brussels, Brussels local transport company MIVB and mobility organisation Brussels Mobility announced the initiative today.
With the push of a button, safe.brussels can now switch on information boards in tunnels and metro stations. This can be done to warn people in Brussels in case of danger. On Tuesday morning, safe.brussels tested some 2,000 boards across Brussels using the new warning system
Safe.brussels can now alert people to floods, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other crisis situations. The boards and warning signs are controlled from the headquarters of the Brussels security organisation.
Cooperation is ‘essential’, stresses Sophie Lavaux, director general of safe.brussels. ‘On the day something happens, we can move quickly to inform the population.’ The new system complements the existing BE-Alert system.
Pleased with collaboration
MIVB CEO Brieuc de Meeûs and Brussels Mobility director Christophe Vanoerbeek are also delighted with the collaboration. "This is a fantastic opportunity for the region. We are happy to cooperate by sharing our screens with the region," De Meeûs said.
"This is what is needed to promote the safety and health of the population," Mr Vanoerbeek concluded.