IRF data 2018: Europe sees a decrease in road expenditure and road maintenance expenditure

The IRF World Road Statistics (WRS) 2018 edition has just been released. First analysis of the data on road expenditure and road maintenance expenditure in Europe shows a decrease of 11% and 8%, respectively, for the period of 2011 to 2016. Investing in roads and their maintenance is essential for economic growth and the mobility of a region. Maintenance by itself is crucial since poorly maintained roads lead to a downfall of the road network value, resulting in higher future costs related to road safety,
December 11, 2018 Read time: 3 mins
The 1201 IRF Geneva World Road Statistics (WRS) 2018 edition has just been released. First analysis of the data on road expenditure and road maintenance expenditure in Europe shows a decrease of 11% and 8%, respectively, for the period of 2011 to 2016.


Investing in roads and their maintenance is essential for economic growth and the mobility of a region. Maintenance by itself is crucial since poorly maintained roads lead to a downfall of the road network value, resulting in higher future costs related to road safety, accessibility and operating vehicles.

Available data provided by the WRS 2018 includes the total road expenditures from Central, Local/Regional government and the private sector, with a breakdown of data into total road investments, road maintenance and other recurrent costs. The first analysis highlights important findings for the European region.

Total European road expenditure (investments, maintenance and other costs) in 2016 has decreased by 11% vs 2011, driven by a significant expenditure decline in Spain and France, partially offset by an increase in UK spending during the same period.

Total European road maintenance expenditure in 2016 has decreased by 8% vs 2011, primarily driven by decreased spending in UK and France.

The graph shows the year by year percentage change, as well as the total percentage change, of European Road and Road Maintenance Expenditure for the 2011-2016 period.

During the period of 2011 to 2016, the European region continuously decreased its spending on its road network, with the exemption of the period of 2014-2015 where there was a marginal increase of 1%. Multiple economic and policy factors are at the base of this decrease mainly driven by Spain and France which represent two of the main freight transport corridors in Europe.

Road maintenance expenditure in Europe also show a decreasing trend. There has been a continuous decline, with the only exception being 2015-2016 where maintenance expenditure was flat. The primary causes for this decline are periodic maintenance contracts and economic factors. It is interesting to highlight that the UK shows a decrease in road maintenance expenditure whilst total road expenditure is increasing. There was a clear focus on new road investments during the 2011-2016 period, with UK road investments being almost double their road maintenance expenditure.

The new WRS 2018 encompass updated data of over 200 countries: Country Profile, Road Networks, Road Traffic, Multimodal Traffic Comparisons, Vehicles in Use, Road Accidents, Vehicles Industry (Production, Imports, Exports and First Registrations), Road Expenditures & Revenues, and Fuel Energy Prices.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Turkish equipment manufacturers bullish on exports
    April 21, 2015
    INTERMAT is of prime importance to Turkish equipment manufacturers as it provides them with an important route into the European market. Meanwhile Turkey itself is of key importance as a sales territory for local firms, due to the country’s current massive investment in infrastructure. The third Bosporus bridge currently being built will be the widest suspension bridge in the world when complete, while the Istanbul area is also benefiting from two major tunnel projects. In addition, the new airport under co
    Read More
  • Drink driving an issue for Taiwan
    March 22, 2012
    Official statistics from Taiwan's Ministry of Interior show that in the first 11 months of 2011, there was a 3.28% increase in the number of road accidents that resulted in injuries or deaths, compared with the same period in the previous year. The number of traffic accidents that resulted in deaths at the scene of the accident or within a 24 hour period climbed 3.47% to 1,847 compared with the previous year.
    Read More
  • Road safety concern for Europe
    May 19, 2015
    A quick look at corporate results for some of the major construction equipment manufacturers paints a somewhat confusing picture of current demand. Caterpillar, the world’s largest manufacturer of off-highway machines and for so long a bell-wether for the construction sector, recently released results showing a drop in profits. CNH and Volvo CE too have been similarly afflicted with a lower than expected financial performance, perhaps a major factor in Volvo CE's decision to pull out of a joint venture part
    Read More
  • Virginia state issues RFP for $2.1 billion Interstate 66 toll expansion
    December 23, 2015
    The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has issued a draft request for proposals (RFP) for the US$2.1 billion Interstate 66 tolled expansion project. Work under a 40-50-year public-private partnership is expected to include construction of 46km of lanes.
    Read More

Highlighted Content