Inclusion of the transportation of dangerous substances in zoning plans in the Netherlands, 1999-2002

Approximately 40% of municipal zoning plans cover the transport of dangerous substances.

Zoning plans which include the transport of dangerous substances

The percentage of municipal zoning plans that covered the transport of dangerous substances increased prior to 2001. In 2002, the percentage fell slightly. The fall is probably the result of the higher response from municipal authorities and the resulting increase in number of relevant zoning plans being assessed compared to the preceding years. A positive trend was observable in the group that reported in both 2001 and in 2002. In 2002, 231 of a total of 639 zoning plans (36%) dealt with the transport of dangerous substances. The municipal authorities in the most urbanised areas also have the highest percentage (64%) of zoning plans which include the transport of dangerous substances.

Policy for the transport of dangerous substances

The 'Carriage of Dangerous Goods Act' (Tweede Kamer, 1996) requires government authorities to identify the risks associated with the transport of dangerous substances and to include them in the planning process. This can take the form of, for example, identifying routes or not allocating vulnerable uses to areas where the risks are high.

Technical note

The government monitoring coordination committee asks all municipal authorities about their environment policy every year. Approximately 50% of the nearly 500 municipal authorities replied in 2002. The indicator is based on the responses of these municipal authorities unless otherwise stated in Annex C of the annual report.

References

• CCO (2003). Overheidsmonitoring, Jaarrapportage 2002. Coördinatiecommissie Overheidsmonitoring, Milieumonitor Nr. 10.
• Tweede Kamer (1996). Nota Risiconormering Vervoer Gevaarlijke Stoffen, Parliamentary Paper 1995-1996, 24 611. Lower House, The Hague.

Relevant sections and indicators elsewhere in the Environmental Data Compendium

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Guide to 'external safety' section for the risks affecting local residents caused by air traffic and by the production, the use, the storage and the transport of dangerous substances.
• Municipal disaster plans, 1999 and 2000 (page is not available yet)
• Dutch companies obliged to produce safety reports, 2001
• Dutch companies at risk of severe accidents, 2001
• Monitoring government performance