Policies

'Optimising Use' programme

Source: International Energy Agency
Last updated: 2 March 2020

In the 'Beter Benutten' ('Optimising Use') programme, the Dutch government, regions and businesses are working together to improve road, waterway and railway accessibility in the busiest regions. First aim has been to reduce congestion at the busiest points by 20 percent in 2014, using a package of around 300 practical and quantifiable measures.

The aim of the follow-up programme,  from 2014 up to 2017, was to achieve 10 percent shorter journey times from door to door in the busiest areas.

 

Investing in new roads results in less congestion. That is crucial for economic development, but asphalt alone is not enough to solve the accessibility problem. Budgets and space are limited, and keeping cities liveable remains a key objective. That is why making better use of existing roads is at least as important though the following measures:

  • Improving the existing roads
  • Offering the traveller more choice and service
  • Increasing the carriage of goods over water
  • Working with businesses to facilitate ‘Work Smart, Travel Smart’.

 

At the start of 2014, new arrangements were made between the government and the regions. They agreed to jointly invest EUR 600 million in the period up to 2017, so that additional measures can be taken to reduce rush hour congestion.

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