Calculating the cost of congestion to society: A case study application to Flanders

Road congestion is an issue that has received growing attention in all big economic activity centers around the world. Congestion seems to be inextricably linked growth, and therefore considered a sign of strong performance. However, at same time, it reflects problem lack matching between demand for supply transport capacity, risking suffocate system. A external costs are not included price transport, mainly because hard accurately calculate them, due absence approach do so. This paper creates globally accepted calculating impact on costs, both operational societal. It does so by first learning from defining relevant concepts, based literature expert meeting was hosted. shows components which comprise private societal elements, direct indirect, also identifies can split up truck, van, work-related trips, each its cost characteristics. Furthermore, own instrument calculation elaborated applied validated specific Flemish situation. The provides uniform insight into magnitude area or road. resulting monetary values used negotiations trucking companies with customers, agreeing transparent surcharges. results determining company location where impacts lower. Finally, producers see how competitive alternative modes rail barge terms total generalized theoretical figures, but calculations taking account real time impacts. Policymakers use identify areas high, should get priority setting solutions. Second, they test effect mitigation measures (e.g. road pricing).