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

  • New study on road maintenance in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
    March 31, 2016
    IRF Geneva is undertaking a study on behalf of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), to review the practices in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states with regards to road maintenance. Roads are an important public asset. Improving the road network can bring about immediate and large benefits by providing better access to hospitals, schools, and markets; improved comfort, speed, and safety; and lower vehicle operating costs.
    Read More
  • Importance of continued transportation investment
    February 27, 2012
    The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world
    Read More
  • Importance of continued transportation investment
    May 2, 2012
    The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world
    Read More
  • Road safety challenge for Europe
    June 25, 2012
    The latest official figures on road safety in Europe are giving cause for concern, with data showing that casualty reduction has slowed. EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas recently announced disappointing progress in casualty reduction on Europe's roads. The joint European police association, TISPOL, has added that it is also concerned that improvements in cutting fatalities on Europe’s roads significantly slowed in 2011. The overall figure shows a reduction of just 2% in the total number of people kille
    Read More

Highlighted Content