1 in 3 car journeys in Brussels could be replaced by other transport, survey finds
Nearly a third of all car journeys in Brussels could easily be replaced by an alternative mode of transport, and more than a quarter of motorists say they could live without a car, Brussels Mobility finds.
The agency asked 1,900 people who live in the capital and own a car about their car use and possible alternatives. Based on their answers, they drew up an indicator of the need for cars for regular travel.
On average, drivers use the car for 3.9 trips per week, although there are big differences between residents. 37 per cent need to use the car for less than one trip per week, 26 per cent between one and four trips and 37 per cent more than four trips.
The survey found that 32 per cent of car journeys could be accomplished relatively easily by other modes of transport. 27 per cent of participants said they could live without a car.
Better accessibility
“This comprehensive study gives us a good insight into the travel habits of Brussels motorists and how we can make alternatives to the car more attractive,” said outgoing Mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt of Flemish green party Groen.
Brussels Mobility recommends concentrating resources on certain major projects, such as the upgrading of Chaussée de Ninove and Chaussée de Mons, while reducing road safety problems and improving accessibility to public transport for people with reduced mobility.
It also proposes a public bicycle service to replace the Villo bike-sharing scheme, whose concession expires in 2026, and to incorporate vehicle weight as a variable in car parking charges and traffic taxes.
"This study gives us a good insight into the travel habits of Brussels motorists and how we can make alternatives to the car more attractive"
The survey also looked at parking habits: 54 per cent of Brussels motorists park their car daily in a street close to their home, and 44 per cent who park near their home at least a few times a month say they have “some difficulty” finding a space. 20 per cent said they have “a lot of difficulty”, especially in and around the city centre.
29 per cent of people who have a private parking space often park on the street: 36 per cent of them because they use the garage as a laundry room or storage space and 22 per cent because they find it difficult to drive their car into the garage.
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