In Finland, goods exports and the operational security of society are highly dependent on heavy traffic, according to a recent report. The transport sector has improved the country's competitiveness through investments in equipment, but the condition of the road network threatens to eat away at the benefits achieved and stunt economic growth.
"Industry, trade, construction and primary production depend on heavy traffic, and it plays a critical role even in exceptional circumstances. Without heavy traffic, Finland will come to a standstill," INFRA ry's leading expert Nina Raitanen crystallize.
Heavy traffic refers to the transport of goods by trucks and vehicle combinations. The smoothness of transport is important for the everyday lives of all Finns, but also for the national economy. In Finland, up to 90 percent of land transport is carried by rubber-tired vehicles. 80 percent of goods from the interior to ports are transported by road. A quarter of GDP, or 72 billion euros, is exported.
"The transport sector has increased the dimensions and weights of its fleet, which has created a competitive advantage for Finland and reduced emissions. However, the road network has lagged behind this development, and its deterioration threatens to erode the competitive advantage achieved," Raitanen reflects.
The report urges: Catch the phenomena early
INFRA, SKAL, Koneurytäjät, Forest Industry, MTK, Finnish Transport and Logistics Association, Finnish Road Association and Destia have jointly commissioned Heavy traffic in Finland – Importance for society and future prospects report, the main message of which is the importance of foresight.
Geographic polarization, the shift in power generation, the deterioration of the road network and the scarcity of labor require proactive measures to ensure competitiveness. The importance of roads is not diminishing: the population is concentrated, but raw materials and industry are still located in different parts of the country.
The report highlights improving the road network and supporting a shift in the transport powertrain as key areas to be promoted. These will both reduce logistical costs and improve energy self-sufficiency.
"The challenges of heavy traffic radiate everywhere in Finland: to export revenues, consumer prices, traffic safety, and the operational and supply security of society. The smoothness and costs of transportation are a matter for the whole of society," Nina Raitanen reminds.
Highlights
- The strain caused by a heavy vehicle increases by more than tenfold on uneven roads.
- At the current funding level, the number of roads in poor condition threatens to increase from 12,000 kilometers to approximately 30,000 kilometers in 10 years.
- The result is an additional cost of over a billion euros for transport companies alone.
The heavy traffic report was carried out by Master of Science (MSc) Riku Huhta, Markus Pajarre ja Antti Heininen and director, professor Jorma Mäntynen Destiasta.