This study investigates the effects of the use of telematics on traffic and transport in the Netherlands. The study estimates: (1) the potential number of people who are eligible for "teleworking", "teleshopping" and "telelearning", as well as the extent to which this will occur; and (2) the reduction of car kilometres producing a reduction of both energy consumption and environmental load. The literature study carried out shows that municipalities can influence "teleworking", but neither "teleshopping" nor "telelearning". Therefore, the calculations were only related to "teleworking". They were made for both the whole Netherlands, and three "model" cities: Woerden, Rotterdam and The Hague. Two scenarios were used. Scenario 1 assumes that the totally potential number of "teleworkers" will "telework" for 20% of the working hours. Scenario 2 takes environmental limitations into account. The calculations show that "teleworking" has a substantial effect: (i) The potential number of "teleworkers" amounts to about 1.7 million people; (2) A 6 to 9% reduction in car kilometres can be realized, provided that 20% of the working time is spent on "teleworking"; and (3) both energy consumption and the emissions of harmful substances will decrease: by 7% using scenario 1, and 6% based on scenario 2.
Abstract