The Netherlands Railways NS intends to increase the maximum speed of trains on certain railway sections from 140 to 160 km/h. Higher speeds mean a greater chance on accidents, in particular of collisions with traffic on level crossings, but also a greater chance on derailments of trains. It is intended to avoid this risk by taking compensating measures, especially regarding the safety of level crossings. In this context, the policy of the NS is that unprotected level crossings or crossings with automatic flashing light installations (AKI's) will not occur on future 160 km/h railway sections anymore. They will be replaced by automatic half-sized barriers (AHOB's) or by multi-level intersections. AHOB's are considered to be safer than unprotected level crossings and AKI's. Compared with AHOB's, multi-level intersections are safer, but more expensive. The Dutch Council for Traffic Safety has ordered SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research to investigate how much these additional costs can be justified by higher savings on damage caused by accidents and favourable side-effects.
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