This study evaluates energy conservation measures in the traffic and transport sector, which were implemented by the Dutch government in the period 1973 - 1987. Fourteen measures were divided into six main categories. These categories are: (1) legislation concerning vehicle inspection and fuel consumption; (2) infrastructural measures, for instance, building parking places and optimizing public lighting; (3) investment subsidies and reimbursement of travel expenses; (4) research and experiments into, for example, recycling of energy released during braking; (5) publicity and education; and (6) pilot projects. The total energy savings in the given period equal the energy consumption in the year 1986. However, only a saving caused by cars could be shown. The highest energy saving is caused by making cars more economical. The effect of the Dutch legislation with respect to speed limits for road traffic is reduced by the high percentage of offenders. On the other hand, information distribution (fuel efficiency guide) and educational activities concerning economical navigation and driving behaviour were responsible for 25% of the energy savings. About 15% of the energy conservation is produced by the annual vehicle inspection, investment subsidies on energy savings by airplanes, taxation of diesel fuel and energy savings in street lighting. The effects upon energy consumption of infrastructural measures will eventually appear in the longer term, but also be realized by other measures. The savings produced by research and experiments seem to be low.
Abstract