Speed restriction
Announcement with the same effect as a traffic sign or traffic decree
Speed limit for inland shipping on the Hartelkanaal, in both directions, between the junction of the Oude Maas/Hartelkanaal and the Harmsenbrug, in the period from 1 January 2013 to 1 January 2025.
The Rotterdam Harbour Master,
announces that, on behalf of the Mayor and the Municipal Executive of the city of Rotterdam, he has decided to impose a top speed of 13 km an hour on inland shipping on the Hartelkanaal, in both directions, between the junction of the Oude Maas/Hartelkanaal and the Harmsenbrug.
The indicated speed limit does not apply at wind speeds of 7, or higher, on the Beaufort scale.
To improve air quality and cut the pollution partly caused by inland shipping in the area adjoining the Hartelkanaal, it will be necessary to impose a speed limit on inland shipping in the above section of the Hartelkanaal in the period from 1 January 2013 to 1 January 2025.
Definitions
The terms used in this decree are defined as follows:
a. commercial transport:
1°. transport of goods in the context of business or professional activities, or
2°. transport of goods intended solely for, or originating from, your own company;
b. inland waterway vessel: vessel, other than a seagoing vessel, intended for commercial transport.
Decree requirements
Under Article 34, first paragraph, point a, of the Mandate, Power of Attorney and Authorization Decree Rotterdam 2009, I am authorized to take this decision, on behalf of the Mayor and the Municipal Executive of the city of Rotterdam.
The section of shipping lane in the Hartelkanaal, between the junction of the Oude Maas/Hartelkanaal and the Harmsenbrug, is managed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Article 3, first paragraph, points a and e, of the Shipping Traffic Act provides that decisions to erect a traffic sign may be made, inter alia, to ensure the safe and free flow of shipping traffic and in the interest of reducing or preventing pollution from ships.
Procedure
In accordance with Article 6 of the Administrative Provisions (Shipping Traffic) Decree, I have consulted the institutions affected by this decree.
Appraisal of interests and reasons
This decree was necessitated by the creation of the Rotterdam Mainport Development Project and the associated Land Reclamation sub-project. This sub-project involves the construction of Maasvlakte 2 in the North Sea, to expand the Port of Rotterdam by adding up to one thousand acres (net) of land allocable to port and industrial sites. It also involves taking compensatory measures for any resultant damage to the natural environment.
The Maasvlakte 2 Air Quality Study (which was carried for the purpose of establishing the Maasvlakte 2 zoning plan) mapped out the impact of Maasvlakte 2 on air quality when it is in use. It shows that, if no additional measures are taken, at a number of sites the operation of Maasvlakte 2 contributes to those areas in which the current limit values for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are exceeded.
A coherent package of measures has been drawn up to compensate for this contribution. This will enable air quality requirements (such as those set out in the Environmental Management Act) to be met. The implementation of this package of measures is guaranteed by the Maasvlakte 2 Air Quality Agreement and by the Maasvlakte 2 zoning plan. One of the measures in this package is the introduction of a speed limit for inland shipping on the Hartelkanaal, in both directions, between the junction of the Oude Maas/Hartelkanaal and the Harmsenbrug.
Decree
Based on the foregoing considerations, I take the following decisions.
Article 1 Hartelkanaal
Inland shipping on the Hartelkanaal will be subject to a speed limit of 13 km per hour relative to the land, in both directions, between the junction of the Oude Maas/Hartelkanaal and the Harmsenbrug.
Article 2 Wind speeds of 7 or above, on the Beaufort scale
The speed limit indicated in Article 1 does not apply at wind speeds of 7 or higher, on the Beaufort scale.
Article 3 Prohibition
Contravention of the provisions of Article 1 is prohibited.
Article 4. Publication and coming into force
This decree will be published in the Government Gazette. It will come into force with effect from 1 January 2013 and will lapse on 1 January 2025.
On behalf of the Mayor and the Municipal Executive of the city of Rotterdam,
ROTTERDAM HARBOUR MASTER
R.J. de Vries
Further details
Further details can be obtained from the Harbour Master's Reporting Center, telephone number +31-(0)10-2521000, or via e-mail cmh@portofrotterdam.com.
Objection
Concerned parties may lodge an objection to this decree with the Mayor and the Municipal Executive of the city of Rotterdam within a period of six weeks after its date of publication in the Government Gazette.
This objection must be signed and must contain the following information:
- the name and address of the petitioner;
- the date of the objection;
- the grounds of the objection;
- a description of the decree to which the objection is being made.
You should also enclose a copy of this decree.
The objection should be sent to:
The Mayor and the Municipal Executive,
attn. the General Objections Committee: PO Box 1011, 3000 BA in Rotterdam.
The fax number of the General Objections Committee: +31-(0)10-2676300.
