The purpose of this study was to make an initial investigation of the possible influence of e-commerce on road traffic in the Netherlands and of the possible road safety consequences. The study concentrates on the important short-term developments over a period of a 5 years maximum. The expectations in exposure (distances travelled) are an important point of attention. A study is also made of whether these are developments which give reason for road safety concern. The most important types of e-commerce take place within and between the B2C (Business to Customers) and B2B (Business to Business) sectors. This will result in an increase in lorry and delivery van traffic. B2C is the fastest growing sector of e-commerce. This will result especially in problems associated with the growth of urban distribution. In any case, in the near future increases in the number of delivery vans driving in residential areas and of deliveries by scooters/moped are expected. Given the prognoses of an increase in lorry and delivery van traffic and in urban distribution, it is recommended explicitly giving road safety aspects a place in policy and research initiatives in the field of the e-commerce delivery problems. In these initiatives, special attention must be paid to new distribution chains (CDPs) at railway stations, petrol stations, and such places along the public's daily and/or weekly routes. It is of special importance to answer questions about the location of the CDPs, their associated dangerous situations and risks, and the necessary infrastructural measures.
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