Belgian traffic congestion sees increase in 2022

Since mid-February, congestion on our roads has increased in comparison to 2021, according to data from the Belgian Mobility Dashboard, an initiative launched by employers' organisation VBO and automobile and two-wheeler federation FEBIAC. This finding is not surprising, considering that compulsory teleworking in Belgium was abolished about a month ago.

"The increase in congestion is probably partly due to the end of compulsory teleworking on 7 March. The road works on the major traffic axes probably also played a role," say the VBO and FEBIAC. "The coming months will show whether this trend continues, since other factors could also have an impact on our mobility, such as structural teleworking, the preference for the train as a result of rising energy and fuel prices, and the popularity of bicycles and scooters in cities."

The congestion increase is accompanied by a rise in social costs. ”Traffic jams have already cost €901 million this year, representing a 6 per cent increase compared to 2021.” In contrast, the average time lost per employee per day since the beginning of the year has fallen slightly (-7%) compared to the same period in 2021, with a daily loss totalling 6 minutes and 11 seconds. Congestion is still greatest on Fridays.

"Traffic congestion is an essential factor that is of great importance for the economic activity of our country," said Pieter Timmermans, CEO of the VBO. "The Dashboard data should encourage policymakers to continue their efforts and deploy all the necessary levers for smoother, greener and more multimodal mobility."

"In a country like ours, where the car still occupies a central place, the Belgian Mobility Dashboard should demonstrate the potential of alternative modes of transport as the best remedy for congestion problems,” added FEBIAC president Philippe Dehennin.

(TOM)

© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR