Since 1970, the modal share of inland navigation for the movement of European freight (excluding shipping) has fallen from 12 to 7%, in the face of competition from road transport. Inland waterways are used mainly for bulk, liquid and dangerous goods, offering low cost but low speed. There is some capacity available to support increased traffic flows, and this is often seen as environmentally favourable. However, there is no clear picture of the consequences of policy actions to encourage waterborne freight.