Traffic and transport: introduction
Composition of the Traffic and transport target sector
The Traffic and transport target sector comprises passenger transport (private and public) and freight transport by road, rail, air and water. The target sector is not linked to the Standard Industrial Classification.
The indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium frequently make a distinction between the categories road traffic, other traffic and mobile machinery.
- The main categories of road transport are private cars, goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, coaches and buses.
- Other traffic consists of rail transport and inland shipping, ocean-going vessels and air traffic.
- 'Mobile machinery' (such as tractors and forklift trucks) is mainly used in construction and agriculture.
Traffic and transport environmental pressure
The Traffic and transport target sector was responsible in 2000 for approximately 16% of the greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide) in the Netherlands. The emissions of these substances are responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect, which may result in climate change. In 2000, the Traffic and transport target sector accounted for one third of acid emissions: nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and ammonia. The Traffic and transport target sector is the main cause of the spread of particulate matter and a major source of noise and odour nuisance.
See the following sections for data about environmental pressure for the themes:
- Guide to Environmental theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)
- Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
- Guide to Environmental theme of Toxic and hazardous substances
- Guide to 'Noise and odour nuisance' section
Delimitation of the Traffic and transport target sector when determining emission data
When determining environmental pressure generated by the Traffic and transport target sector for non-greenhouse gases, the Dutch borders are generally taken as the limit. This means that ocean-going shipping in Dutch coastal waters is not included. In the case of air traffic, the data are limited to emissions during take-off and landing.
The calculation of greenhouse gas emissions by traffic and transport is, in accordance with the guidelines of the IPCC, based on the quantities of fuel sold in the Netherlands. The greenhouse gas emissions from international ocean-going shipping and air traffic to and from the Netherlands are not allocated to the Netherlands.
Discharges/emissions as a result of electricity consumption by electric vehicles or electric trains are allocated to the Energy supply target sector.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Guide to societal developments relating to traffic and transport
for, among other things, data about traffic performance, numbers of vehicles and passenger kilometres. - Guide to Environmental theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)
- Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
- Guide to Environmental theme of Toxic and hazardous substances
- Guide to 'Noise and odour nuisance' section
