Netherlands sees drop in traffic congestion

Official statistics for the Dutch traffic information service VID reveal that congestion in the country dropped by 16.9% in the first four months of 2011 compared with the previous year. The data suggests that this has resulted from the construction of additional lanes on key highway links as well as dry weather conditions. The A2, A12, A58 and A9 highways have all benefited from the addition of new lanes, and the widening of the A2 alone has led to 4% of the 6.9% drop in traffic congestion. However, it has yet to be seen whether the additional lanes will have a lasting effect on congestion levels. Congestion levels increased 9% in 2010 compared with the previous year, due to poor winter weather and more trucks on the roads.