Road traffic in the Netherlands: volume developments and environmental pressure, 1990-2002
Measures have been taken that have reduced emissions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen, despite the increase of the number of vehicle kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions increase in proportion, whereas the fall in noise nuisance has come to a halt since 1997.
Developments in carbon dioxide emissions
Between 1990 and 2002, the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by road traffic more or less kept pace with the increase in the number of vehicle kilometres. This means that road vehicles have, on average, not become more economical in this period.
Developments in emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter
The emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter by road traffic have fallen every year since 1990, despite the fact that the number of vehicle kilometres has increased by more than 30% between 1990 and 2002. In the case of NOx, this is mostly attributable to the three-way catalytic converter, that was introduced for passenger cars and vans in the early nineties in response to the introduction of emission standards. The emissions of particulate matter (PM10) have mainly been cut back due to technical engine improvements. Particle filters are only in very limited use, especially in buses.
Developments in noise nuisance
The decline in the noise nuisance caused by road traffic between 1990 and 1997 came to a halt a few years ago. The fall in the early nineties was a result of noise standards for new vehicles, the installation of acoustic baffles and the application of low-noise very open asphalt concrete (ZOAB). The increase since 1997 is the result of the intensification of road traffic.
Policy objective
The general policy goal is to achieve emission reductions for the entire economy in combination with rising GDP. The National Environmental Policy Plan 4 (VROM, 2001) set the following objective for traffic (road traffic plus other traffic):
- The reduction of emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to 150 kton by 2010. The figure in 2001 was still 175 million kg.
- There are three objectives for noise nuisance from all sources (industry, road, rail and air traffic) that are intended to bring about good sound quality in 2030. One of these objectives is that the threshold value of 70 dB(A) in residential areas must no longer be exceeded in 2010 (VROM, 2001).
