The influence of potential policy measures on the eco-efficiency of personal vehicle mobility in Brussels

The finite nature of the oil reserves on the one hand and the growing impact of the use of road vehicles on the air quality and the greenhouse effect on the other hand, require major adjustments of the current vehicle fleet and of its use. Although urban traffic also contributes to resource depletion and climate change, urban areas like the Brussels Capital Region (BCR) are mainly facing air quality issues. This is due to its dense road network and to the high concentration of receptors (mainly population and buildings). Several possible policy measures could be implemented by the Brussels Regional Government to influence the characteristics or intensity of urban traffic as well as its impact on the environment. These possible policy measures include a reorientation of the fiscal system for vehicles (registration and circulation tax), applying a road or congestion charge, variable parking fees, etc.
The Brussels Regional Government has commissioned a study to investigate the effects of different policy measures on the traffic intensity in the city, as well as on the environment and the eco-efficiency of the vehicle fleet. Other aspects that will be addressed are the implications on the cost per kilometer and how the purchase behaviour, as well as the use of vehicles could evolve.
In this paper, the current situation of urban traffic in the BCR is briefly described, as well as possible policy measures to tackle the issues related to it. Further, the goals of the commissioned study and the proposed methodology are discussed. The Ecoscore, as an important environmental indicator for vehicles, is applied as a tool for policy support.