Structural measures for a safer transport of hazardous materials by rail: The case of the basic network in The Netherlands

This article focuses on the effects of a so-called “basic network” for the transport of hazardous materials by rail and its (dis)advantages. The basic network offers authorities an easier to use framework for external risk policy as well as an easier framework to analyse at the municipal level the possibilities for urban development and communicate risks to civilians from an external safety policy perspective. However, there are still a number of disadvantages that should be taken into account. In this article five disadvantages are addressed. The first disadvantage is the fact that in the future the proposed limited numbers for transport are in certain parts of the network higher than currently and thus allow volume growth. Secondly, problems may occur if the transport numbers are fixed on basis of law. The third disadvantage is that some existing problems with external safety due to too much transport may be politically neglected in the future. This may lead to the realization of vulnerable objects too close to important railways, resulting in higher overall risks. Fourthly, there is a shift in coordination of safety between the responsible ministries which have diverging interests. This can easily lead to conflicting policies on the transport of hazardous materials and urban developments. The final issue is that two-dimensional safety zoning cannot be applied in cases where the buildings are constructed above the infrastructure without taking into account the three-dimensional structure. The authors conclude that even though the intention of the basic network idea is a good one, other more structural measures are needed to reach the goal of a safer transport of hazardous materials and a less inhibited urban development.