The ERF-IRF BPC releases European Road Statistics 2009 transport data

The European Union Road Federation (ERF) – the Brussels Programme Centre of the International Road Federation (IRF) – has announced the eighth edition of its publication on road transport data – European Road Statistics 2009. At a time when stakeholders at European and national level seek to define a modern transport strategy that meets the challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative that decisions on the road transport sector are made on the basis of factual information which reflects the true impact of its activities on Europe’s economy.

While continuing to provide important updated information on sectors such as passenger and goods transport, the latest edition also contains important new data on road investment, current fleet renewal schemes and the environmental impact of road transport. It also includes a new dedicated section of case studies, showcasing tangible examples of how targeted measures can reduce road-related emission and noise levels.

The data collected reveals several trends. It confirms the continuing preference of citizens and companies for road transport. With commercial and passenger vehicle registration down more than 10% in some cases, it also confirms the impact of the current economic crisis on the automotive industry. With respect to road investment, recent data collected clearly show that while investment patterns in Western Europe have largely stabilized, respective patterns in Central and Eastern Europe point to an increasing emphasis on better and more modern road infrastructure. Finally, data on car emissions provides convincing evidence that the road sector is actively pursuing policies to reduce its carbon footprint and that better roads can help reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.

The European Road Statistics 2009 is available on request from the ERF-IRF Brussels Programme Centre’s Secretariat and may also be freely consulted online at http://www.irfnet.eu/en/2009-road-statistics/
 

24 July 2009