A trial project involving blue lights at Ribaucourt metro station in Molenbeek (Brussels) has been discontinued. Since the end of last summer, blue lights had been installed on the platform staircases. The blue light was intended to discourage drug users from injecting. However, the trial project has now come to an end and will not be extended.
At the end of last summer, Brussels local transport company MIVB and the Brussels Mobility agency launched a trial against drug use at Ribaucourt metro station. Blue lights attached to the stairs leading to the platforms were intended to make it more difficult to inject drugs such as heroin. The ultraviolet radiation from so-called “black lights” makes veins much less visible.
But that test project is now coming to an end. ‘Drug consumption has changed,’ says the MIVB. ‘Nowadays, there are mainly crack users.’ Since this smokable form of cocaine does not require needles, the blue lights have little effect on this type of user. ‘That is why it was decided to discontinue the project: it does not offer a solution.’
Brussels Mobility adds that the pilot did not involve any additional costs. ‘The blue light only required a minor adjustment to the existing white light.’ White light will now make a comeback at Ribaucourt metro station.
The Brussels regional government stresses that the blue lights on the lifts on the metro network are unrelated to the test project in Molenbeek. ‘They are mainly intended to show where the lifts are located, not to discourage drug use.’