Dangerous goods transported by rail: FAQs

How will I comply with the security requirements?

The Department has produced a guidance document and other material which are designed to help organisations deliver the new security measures.

Will I have to follow the guidance?

The guidance document outlines ways in which the requirements could be met. It is not intended to be a prescriptive document and organisations are free to use different ways of complying with the requirements.

Will my foreign competitors need to comply with the same requirements?

Yes. Operations based in countries that are signatories to the Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) would need to comply with the security requirements included in RID when transporting dangerous goods by rail to the UK. In addition, all EU countries would have to apply the security requirements to all domestic movements of dangerous goods.

Who enforces the requirements in Great Britain?

Inspectors from the Department for Transport's TRANSEC division enforce the requirements in Great Britain. The regime follows a stepped approach to enforcement with the emphasis on co-operation, advice, dialogue and self-rectification.

What are high consequence dangerous goods?

These are defined as those dangerous goods which have the potential for misuse in a terrorist incident and which may, as a result, produce serious consequences such as mass casualties or mass destruction. See Table 1.10.5 High Consequence Dangerous Goods (PDF, 18KB)

What identification should be accepted when offering dangerous goods to be carried by road?

Ideally drivers would carry either a passport or a photographic version of their drivers licence. If these are not available then a suitable identification produced by the driver's company or organisation should suffice.

Do the CDG regulations and guidance apply to the transport of all radioactive material?

No. It does not apply to the movement of civil nuclear material, as defined by the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 (NISR). This is regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS) in accordance with NISR.