The fact of blocking the car of Ukrainian refugees by the Aalst traffic police has become widely known to the public in Europe. The car was stopped on the N45 highway, one of the branches of

the Brussels-Ghent highway. The driver is a well-known Ukrainian writer who is currently in Belgium writing a book about the country. 

The police were in an unmarked car and they redirected the vehicle to the Aalst ring road, where they stopped it for a thorough inspection.

The driver couldn't find the insurance on her mobile phone for some time, and the police blocked the car, saying that once the insurance is found, she would have to come to the Aalst police station and they would unlock it. However, it turned out to be a deception.

A mother with four children aged 4 to 10 years old walked to the police station on foot this evening after finding the insurance. However, when they pressed the button on the doors of the Aalst police station, a voice through the speaker said, "The police officer who blocked you has already gone home." After one hour the voice said, "There are no available police officers, and you need to wait." The last time, after midnight, the voice through the speaker said, "Spend the night on the street, it's your problem."

The car was unlocked only the next morning during the family's third visit to the Aalst police station. Following this incident, the driver, a mother of four young children, required a serious medical examination by cardiologists at the Aalst clinic, who are responsible for her treatment. The children, who cried upon seeing armed individuals stepping out of an ordinary jeep, needed social and psychological support.

On September 5, the Ukrainian authorities issued five recommendations for Ukrainians traveling in cars with Ukrainian license plates in Belgium.

These recommendations can also be useful for other foreigners, including tourists, who may undergo checks by the Aalst traffic police while passing through the city or crossing the N45 highway.

Here are the following recommendations:

- If you are stopped in a car without identifiable plates, ask for police identification and verify if these individuals are actually police officers.

- If your car is blocked during the evening or night, after 7:00 PM, be aware that there is a high likelihood it will only be unlocked in the morning. Arrange with residents of nearby houses to not call for a tow truck.

- If there are young children in the car, stock up on water and supplies in case you need to spend the night in the car.

- Have emergency hotline numbers for ambulance services and other emergency agencies.

- Do not hesitate to seek help from local residents; there will always be someone who sympathizes with your situation and offers a helping hand.