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Growing impact of urban freight traffic

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08.06.2009

NFP 54 investigates concealed traffic problem in conurbations

Between 1993 and 2003 the number of journeys by commercial vehicles within the Swiss conurbations rose by half.

The volume of freight, however, has not risen. The number of trips by vans and trucks is having an adverse effect on the quality of life. Half of the nitrogen dioxide emissions by road vehicles are generated by freight traffic. Moreover, mutual obstruction of passenger and freight traffic flows is increasing.

A growing number of vans and trucks are involved in accidents (approximately 30% of cases in 2003). As part of the National Research Council's programme on "sustainable development of the built environment"(NFP 54), the freight transport situation in urban areas was analysed and a package of suitable measures prepared.

Concrete plans of action have thus been worked out for the Zurich, Lugano and Chur agglomerations.

Trips by vans and trucks are a frequent cause of congestion in Switzerland's built-up areas.

Source: Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Further information: www.snf.ch

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