Effects of a Driving Restriction for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sunday in the Walloon Region
10.02
2010
TML analysed the impact of a Sunday driving ban for trucks in Belgium. The study evaluated the impact on the economic situation, the environment, and society by using existing models and in consultation with stakeholders.
In neighbouring countries responsible for much of the transit traffic through Belgium, notably Germany, France, and Luxembourg, there is currently a Sunday driving ban for trucks. Since Belgian roads are still free to drive, this creates a rush of trucks ready to cross the border with these countries as soon as the ban expires. This traffic accumulates both on the road and in car parks close to the border.
The Walloon government wanted to know what the consequences would be for the region and the country should such a ban also be introduced in Belgium. The study was led by the OCW, with TML as a subcontractor.
To outline the framework, it first examined how other countries in the EU have implemented a Sunday ban on freight transport. Particular attention was paid to neighbouring countries, whose policies have the most impact on the situation in Belgium and the Walloon Region. Based on these findings, the most logical interpretation of the ban for the Walloon Region was identified. This was used to guide the rest of the study.
The study itself consisted of estimating the impact of the freight ban on the following elements:
To this end, extensive consultations were held with stakeholders. START/SITTER and TREMOVE were used for the quantitative evaluations around traffic jams and emissions.
In neighbouring countries responsible for much of the transit traffic through Belgium, notably Germany, France, and Luxembourg, there is currently a Sunday driving ban for trucks. Since Belgian roads are still free to drive, this creates a rush of trucks ready to cross the border with these countries as soon as the ban expires. This traffic accumulates both on the road and in car parks close to the border.
The Walloon government wanted to know what the consequences would be for the region and the country should such a ban also be introduced in Belgium. The study was led by the OCW, with TML as a subcontractor.
To outline the framework, it first examined how other countries in the EU have implemented a Sunday ban on freight transport. Particular attention was paid to neighbouring countries, whose policies have the most impact on the situation in Belgium and the Walloon Region. Based on these findings, the most logical interpretation of the ban for the Walloon Region was identified. This was used to guide the rest of the study.
The study itself consisted of estimating the impact of the freight ban on the following elements:
- The economic situation: modal choice, organisation of shippers and carriers, infrastructure/parking, congestion ...
- The environment: global (CO2) and local pollutants (PM, NOx).
- Society: noise pollution, road safety, driving and rest times.
To this end, extensive consultations were held with stakeholders. START/SITTER and TREMOVE were used for the quantitative evaluations around traffic jams and emissions.
