Browse by Topic

The Transport Statistics database is divided into six major topic areas, each of which covers a number of subjects in detail. The topics are intended to give the background to each country in terms of area, population, road transport, and limited information on other forms of transport such as rail. The emphasis is on passenger transport.

Inevitably, there are differences in definitions and in the ways in which data are collected in different countries, so comparisons between countries are sometimes difficult. The topics in the Transport Statistics database have been selected to give as fair a comparative picture as possible, and to demonstrate similarities between countries where these occur, as in the increasing ownership and use of cars. The demographic and economic data should be of use beyond the specific transport focus of the database.

More in-depth information on the topics listed, including definitions, uncertainties, issues and caveats, can be found at Data Definitions and Caveats.

Demographic and Infrastructure Homepage

Allows you to explore data on population since 1960, household size, surface area, gross domestic product (GDP), lengths of the road and rail networks.

Details related to land area are not typically defined in the datasets that provide the values for the Transport Statistics database. Different sources give values for the area of a country that often differ by 1/2% and there are particular uncertainties for individual countries. Length of roads and definitions of road type and road-users can also vary between countries.

To find out more go to the Demographic and Infrastructure section of the Data Definitions and Caveats page.

Currently unavailable

Data on economy in each of the countries included in the Transport Statistics Programme has proven difficult to collate on a consistent and reliable basis. We are currently collating data on consumer taxes on vehicle purchases, annual vehicle tax, fuel tax and driver tax; charges for the use of roads and car parks and for public transport, household spending on transport by households and individuals and spending by government, transport related employment and the contribution of transport related activities and output to GDP. We will release this as soon as possible.

Energy and Emissions

Energy and Emissions Homepage

Allows you to explore data on transport related air pollution emissions (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons or VOCs and particulates) and greenhouse gas emissions (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) and energy consumption by transport (million tonnes of oil equivalent), along with forecasts to 2030. Detailed national emission data are available for UK, France and USA.

Energy used and carbon dioxide emissions can be quoted on the basis of source or end user. The main difference between source and end user emissions comes from the treatment of emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. To derive emissions by end user, emissions from power stations and other fuel processing industries have to be re-allocated to end users on an approximate basis according to their use of the fuel. Emissions by end user are subject to more uncertainty than emissions by source and should only be used to give a broad indication of emissions by sector.

To find out more go to the Energy and Emissions section of the Data Definitions and Caveats page.

Safety Homepage

Allows you to explore data on road accidents and the casualties of road accidents. Analyses include the number of accidents or casualties by type of road-user and class of road.

Comparisons between countries is difficult because of differing definitions and reporting systems. Accidents are normally only reported to the police if someone is injured, and it is known that many accidents involving minor injuries do not get reported. Countries are moving towards a standard definition of a road traffic fatality as someone who dies within 30 days of an accident, but in the past different definitions have been used. Any data on non-fatal casualties should be treated with considerable suspicion.

To find out more go to the Safety section of the Data Definitions and Caveats page.

Traffic and Travel Homepage

Allows you to explore data on passenger travel by all modes (including on foot, by air and on water), including data on the average distance per person per year by each of the main modes and the purposes for which they travel. Data is also available on the movement of vehicles including the total movement of vehicles on public roads measured in vehicle kilometres and its distribution by types of vehicle and classes of road.

Vehicle kilometres of traffic on a class of road or by a type of vehicle are usually estimated on the basis of vehicle counts at a number of points. Every so often, the model for estimating traffic from counts of vehicles is re-calibrated on the basis of more widespread counts. This can lead to a discontinuity in the trend of traffic from year to year, which can be as large as 5% overall or 10% on particular types of road.

To find out more go to the Traffic and Travel section of the Data Definitions and Caveats page.

Vehicle Stock Homepage

Allows you to explore data on the numbers of vehicles of different types in different countries, the number of vehicles per person and forecasts of future stocks of vehicles. Stock of road vehicles since 1960 is available by transport mode (cars, 2-wheelers, buses, goods vehicles, and all motor vehicles) along with forecasts of the number of motor vehicles to 2030.

Different countries define classes of vehicle in different ways, so comparison between countries requires caution. Vehicles may be classified differently for licensing purposes, in accident statistics and in traffic flows. Uncertainties in the number of vehicles are caused by the existence of illegally unlicensed vehicles and the exclusion from taxation of certain vehicles, such as those operated by the state or the defence forces.

To find out more go to the Vehcile Stock section of the Data Definitions and Caveats page.