Policy measures that limit the maximum traffic speed can make a useful contribution to an effective transport policy. Though this is generally accepted by policymakers, only rarely measures are taken that influence traffic speed. This is partly caused by the absence of a good policy tool. A recent study shows that a speed limitation to vans and light trucks is an effective tool to reduce emissions of freight transport and to improve traffic safety. Concerning the environmental effects, only carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are dealt with. By expressing the effects in terms of financial indicators, it was calculated that limiting the speed of vans and light trucks is an appealing (cost-effective) measure at the macro-economic level. The estimated annual benefit is approximately 90 mln ECU, some 25 mln of which are environment related. A similar exercise at the business-economic level shows that speed limitation is cost neutral for vans, while having some financial benefits in the case of light trucks.
Abstract