Emergency telephoneWallonia
Traffic rules
Wallonia
1. Emergency telephone
An emergency telephone is a dedicated roadside or tunnel telephone that connects road users directly with an emergency, traffic-control or roadside-assistance centre. Emergency telephones are commonly installed in tunnels, along motorways or at other locations where quickly reporting an accident, breakdown or fire is important. They can provide operators with useful information about the caller’s location and may remain available where mobile-phone reception is poor.
Are there emergency telephones in Belgian road tunnels?
Yes. Belgian road tunnels can have emergency telephones in designated aid stations so road users can directly contact the tunnel or traffic-control centre in an emergency.
Which traffic sign indicates an emergency telephone in Belgium?
Traffic sign F62 indicates an emergency telephone. Under the current Belgian signage rules, it indicates that an aid station in a tunnel is equipped with an emergency telephone.
What is the difference between signs F61 and F62 in Belgium?
F61 indicates a telephone, while F62 specifically indicates an emergency telephone. F62 is used for an aid station in a tunnel equipped with an emergency telephone.
Should you use an emergency telephone after a breakdown in a Belgian tunnel?
Yes, when available. Flemish tunnel guidance recommends calling for help preferably from an aid station, because the control centre can identify the location of the emergency telephone directly.
Why can a tunnel emergency telephone be better than a mobile phone in Belgium?
An emergency telephone is linked to a known fixed location. Flemish road authorities specifically note that an ordinary mobile-phone call does not automatically tell the tunnel operator where inside the tunnel you are calling from.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a Belgian tunnel?
If possible, drive out of the tunnel. If this is impossible, stop as close as possible to the tunnel wall, switch on the hazard warning lights, turn off the engine, leave the vehicle safely and call for assistance preferably from an aid station.
Can you still call 112 instead of using an emergency telephone in Belgium?
Yes. In an urgent emergency you can call 112, but when an emergency telephone or tunnel aid station is immediately available, using it can help the tunnel operator identify your location more quickly.
