The bar chart illustrates how government expenditure on roads and transport changed in different countries between 1990 and 2005. Overall, state funding for roads and transport in all countries in question experienced decreases over the years, with Portugal and the USA witnessing the most and the least significant changes, respectively. Additionally, the former’s government consistently outspent the other nations in this regard, whereas the UK’s, except in 1995, remained the lowest spender.
Regarding countries in mainland Europe, the Portuguese government spent approximately 27% of its national budget on roads and transport in 1990, far more than any other country listed, after which this figure had declined significantly to 20% by 1995 and continued dropping gradually to end the period at just over 15%. Italy’s spending, meanwhile, followed a similar downward trend, albeit at a lower rate, falling from 20% to nearly 15% in the final year.
Turning to the UK, slightly above one-tenth of its expenditure went to roads and transport, which was the lowest among all countries cited. Having risen minimally to reach a peak of around 13% five years later, the UK’s funding had almost halved by the end of the timeframe.
Finally, the USA was the only country that saw minor fluctuations, as its spending on roads and transport hovered around the 14% mark throughout the period.