Belgian loses on average 40 hours a year in traffic jams

Belgian motorists stood still in traffic jams for an average of 6 minutes and 43 seconds per day between January 1 and July 1, representing 40 hours and 51 minutes of lost time per year. According to the Belgian Mobility Dashboard, developed by the Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEB) and automobile federation FEBIAC. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 6%.

FEB points out the economic cost of traffic jam suffering and says urgent measures are needed, such as the introduction of a mileage tax.

€2,7 billion

All that time lost in traffic jams costs the Belgian economy 2.7 billion euros, or 0.57% of GDP. That is an increase of 10% compared to last year. The average congestion length also increased. On Wednesday, for example, congestion was up 12% from 2023.

“The data from the Mobility Dashboard should encourage policymakers to continue their efforts and deploy all the necessary levers for smoother, greener, and more multimodal mobility,” says Pieter Timmermans, FEB CEO. “This can be done through smart taxation, via a mileage charge, for example. The revenue from that charge can then be invested directly in improving infrastructure and transport services.”

No federal approach

Two weeks ago, it was announced that the new Walloon government wants to introduce an annual vignette to replace the road tax for Walloon residents. A compromise would be sought with the Brussels Region and Flanders to have them adopt the same model, although Brussels especially favors road pricing.

In its 2024 Country Report on Belgium, the EU Commission also recommends “tackling traffic congestion by reforming the tax system, including through a smart mileage charge, and developing active mobility and public transport solutions.” According to the EU, improving suburban public transport helps reduce congestion.