Construction workers demand smart kilometer tax: 'We are now often stuck in traffic jams for 4 hours a week' | local

Flemish construction workers spend more and more time in traffic jams. This is what the Flemish professional association Bouwunie said after a survey of 8,000 members – freelancers and SMEs from all construction sectors.

“Of course this very much depends on where the yard is,” says Jean-Pierre Wittens, CEO of Bouwunie. “In rural areas, the risk of traffic jams is lower than in the city. But the reality is that our construction companies have to spend an average of 2.5 hours of time in traffic jams every week.

And time costs money. Although not all construction companies want to pass on those lost costs to the client. “For example, only one in 10 construction companies charge actual travel time as a transportation cost,” says Booni. The majority charge per kilometer or ask for a fixed cost. “And of course our companies are looking for ways to avoid traffic jams. By starting early and stopping before the evening rush hour. Or to keep customers away from traffic-prone areas.

But this doesn't make much difference. Therefore, 6 out of 10 Flemish construction companies support a smart kilometer tax as a solution. Even under strict conditions.

“The system should be administratively simple and preferably automated. A smart kilometer tax should also effectively save time. In addition, the system should apply to everyone, including individuals, and the tax may only be imposed if a tax disappears.” Current road and registration tax.

According to Booni, the government should not delay too long: “Meanwhile, a quarter of construction companies have already lost their employees because they are tired of traffic jams.”