Country introduction (SOER 2010)

Transport is a constantly growing sector due to Belgium's geographical position as a country of transit, with an economy geared largely to export. This growth particularly concerns road and air transport. The number of passenger cars has risen spectacularly (motorisation rate in Belgium: one car for every two inhabitants). Growth is even higher for goods transport vehicles. Demand for fossil energy in the sector is expected to continue to rise. The development of new technologies to improve vehicle energy efficiency is slow which has a negative impact on emissions of air pollutants in the sector. Road is by far the main mode of transport in Belgium, both for passengers and goods.