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.



