International cargo transport is growing rapidly, especially by road on the European continent. Due to the continuous growth of trade, the need for transport on the European continent has increased more and more. This becomes apparent in more transport, more movements and longer distances. The extensive transport infrastructure and the relatively low transport costs have contributed to making this development possible, and consequently, prosperity has been able to increase strongly. The growth in kilometres per vehicle is expected to continue at least until 2030. Well-considered facilitating the demand for cargo transport is a basic condition for the growth of the economy and for improvement of the liveability. In this context `well-considered' means: durable, so good for the economy, the environment and the liveability in the long term. To make this possible, we have to focus on a different growth of the economy, with less growth in transport. The development towards a knowledge based economy plays an essential part. In addition to the major contribution of international cargo transport to the development of the Dutch and European economy, cargo transport also has some adverse effects. The disadvantages form a growing burden on the scarce space and lead to more environmental pollution. In the use of space there is competition between different activities, such as living, work, recreation, nature and infrastructure. The increasing burden on the infrastructure especially causes congestion on the road, where passenger and cargo transport compete with each other. With regard to the environment the problems centre on emission levels, noise and safety. These problems occur in all European countries, but the Netherlands is the first to face these problems strongly as it is a densely populated country specialized in distribution activities. Additionally, the effects of transport are perceived as negative, to a higher degree than before, due to the higher demands we make of the quality of our environment. Every day we experience the effects of lack of space and the negative impact on the environment. For this reason it is important that the problem is analysed well and that the solutions are found now. A policy is to be adopted that is aimed at replacing cargo transport by road with inland shipping and transport by rail, but this policy is not sufficient to deal with the growth of road transport. If the policy remains unchanged, the problems in the Netherlands and Europe will increase. This can be prevented by taking measures that lead to less demand for transport. This requires a wide approach, which comprises much more than transport alone: a socioeconomic and spatial economic policy, both on a national and a European level. Co-operation with other policy makers and market parties in Europe is essential. The Dutch Advisory Council has developed some ideas for a well-balanced handling of ever-growing transport. The aim of prevention of transport is to separate economic growth from the growth of transport. For an equal development of prosperity and liveability, production and consumption should be rearranged in a way in which both are less space and environment intensive. The government should calculate all costs of transport, encourage innovations, research, experiments and agreements with market parties about a collective approach of reducing noise levels and damage to the environment by dealing with the problem at the source. Due to its economic development, the Netherlands has achieved a good state of prosperity and welfare. Our country can afford to accept less growth in certain parts of the economy, creating opportunities for growth that is more attractive from the perspective of welfare. This also means that it is not necessary that as much international cargo transport as possible should run through the Netherlands at all costs. In view of the change towards a knowledge based economy and services we should focus on developing the Netherlands as a country which supervises the flow of goods, hereby adding more value to the flow that passes through our country. In addition, a European seaport policy is necessary. Ports should primarily serve their natural hinterland. Spreading the transport flows is favourable for the development of other countries and of Europe as a whole. The various national and European governments are to create the conditions under which the market will come to an optimum division across Europe. Even though prevention and selectivity lead to a considerable long-term decrease in the growth of cargo transport, initiatives are needed to accommodate cargo transport well. These initiatives are to be found in innovation of transport systems, encouragement of alternatives and adjustments to the infrastructure. A transport fund yet to be set up, will see to revenues from various taxes being used for the prevention, selection and innovatively accommodating of transport. The increasing burden on the space available, caused by the growth of the economy and the growth of transport, requires an adjustment to the international arrangement of production and consumption. Prevention, selection and innovative accommodation of transport are necessary to safeguard prosperity and welfare in the Netherlands and Europe also in the long term, and although the basis for intervention currently does not seem very strong, we cannot wait any longer. The Netherlands can play a pioneering role, given its reputation in Europe. It will be to the benefit of our economy, since opting for the Netherlands as the country which supervises the flow of goods will make us more attractive for companies to establish new business here in view of the importance for both the economy and liveability. (A)
Abstract