A comparative study of hazardous material transportation security issues in Flanders and in Apulia

This article investigates security practices within hazmat production and transport companies in two European regions, Apulia in Italy and Flanders in Belgium. A literature review was carried out to highlight the main theoretical hazmat transport security approaches. This led to develop some hypotheses on theoretical 'ideal' security practices in hazmat transport operations. To compare the theoretical insights regarding security approaches within dangerous goods transportation with real industrial practices, and to validate the hypotheses, a questionnaire was drafted. Survey results allowed to ascertain a partial implementation of ideal practices by the firms and provided insights in the existing similarities and differences between the two heterogeneous European regions. The study results led to conclusions and recommendations for European policymakers and for practitioners, in order to enhance current security habits with respect to hazmat transportation. Security Journal (2013) 26, 142-156. doi:10.1057/sj.2012.4; published online 2 April 2012