MP Hans Bonte (sp.a) suggested fining companies that systematically leave job applications unanswered. “At the moment barely three in ten application letters get a response,” said Bonte. “It’s demotivating.” Companies could face up to €500 in fines for ignoring an application letter. The measure will be voted on before the summer.

Southbound traffic on the E19 came to a halt Monday when a semi-trailer lost control, overturned, and released its cargo onto the road. The cargo happened to be live pigs, which immediately left the vehicle and scurried about the motorway. Officials were forced to close the road at the Mechelen exit and divert traffic to the A12.

It is no longer possible to sit your theoretical driving exam more than once on the same day. A week-long pilot project allowed failed candidates to re-sit exams the same day. The system was abused by some candidates who re-sat up to eight times in a day — or until they had seen all the exam possibilities at least once.

Police stations are easy targets for burglars, revealed MP Michel Doomst. Since 2006, police stations are burgled an average of 280 time a year. Brussels comes top of the league with 100 burglaries. Doomst pointed out that despite police stations being required to install alarm systems, few apparently do and only 50 out of 144 federal police properties are monitored by camera.

Ostend shopkeeper Martin Daemen, 62, went underground for four days recently for fear of being lynched by a group of 10 lottery players whose winning ticket he forgot to validate. The 10 regularly pooled their money and missed out on a €73,000 payout. Two of the players filed a civil suit against him.