From 2008 to 2012, journey time loss due to traffic jams and congestion on the main road network decreased by 32 percent, which was largely attributed to the implementation of peak hour and extra lanes (spits- en plusstroken), roadway expansion and traffic management systems. In recent years, the economic crisis has also contributed to a decrease in journey time loss. After 2014, traffic jams are again expected to increase due to an improved economy and forecasted increases in traffic volumes. These are the conclusions of the KiM Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis’ Mobility Report 2013 (Mobiliteitsbalans 2013). In the Mobility Report, KiM provides an annual overview of the state of mobility in the Netherlands. Since 2005, car use growth rates have been considerably lower than the years before, with young adults in particular less often using cars. This was partly due to decreases in the number of employed young people and increases in the amount of students who especially reside in urban areas. The status of car ownership among young Dutch people however has remained relatively unchanged. Consequently, KiM does not expect a further decrease in car mobility among young adults. (Author/publisher)
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