Security, risk perception and cost-benefit analysis : summary and conclusions. Discussion paper 2009-6
Publication details: Paris Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,OECD. International Transport Forum. Joint Transport Research Centre. Round Table on Security, Risk Perception and Cost-Benefit Analysis, 2009Description: 18 sSubject(s): Online resources: Abstract: Security concerns are high on the political agenda in many countries because of the widespread perception that security is increasingly threatened by intentional malicious acts including terrorist attacks. While terrorism has a long history and measures to maintain and improve security are in place, major events - including but not limited to the 9/11 attacks - have triggered stronger action to improve security. In this context, much attention goes to maintaining secure transport for two reasons. First, many transport facilities and vehicles are appealing targets for terrorist attacks because of the concentration of potential victims. Second, transport can act as a conveyor for terrorist attacks, e.g. by moving weapons into ports or by turning airplanes into weapons. In both cases, the difficulties in protecting the many potential targets while maintaining smooth transport operations strengthens the appeal of transport targets. The costs of potential damage from terrorism are substantial but so are the costs of improved security. Careful policy appraisal can help make good use of scarce resources. This paper, which is drawn from debates during the round table on "Security, risk perception and cost-benefit analysis", held in Paris in December 2008, investigates how economic analysis can contribute to the design of policies to maintain or enhance security in transport..Security concerns are high on the political agenda in many countries because of the widespread perception that security is increasingly threatened by intentional malicious acts including terrorist attacks. While terrorism has a long history and measures to maintain and improve security are in place, major events - including but not limited to the 9/11 attacks - have triggered stronger action to improve security. In this context, much attention goes to maintaining secure transport for two reasons. First, many transport facilities and vehicles are appealing targets for terrorist attacks because of the concentration of potential victims. Second, transport can act as a conveyor for terrorist attacks, e.g. by moving weapons into ports or by turning airplanes into weapons. In both cases, the difficulties in protecting the many potential targets while maintaining smooth transport operations strengthens the appeal of transport targets. The costs of potential damage from terrorism are substantial but so are the costs of improved security. Careful policy appraisal can help make good use of scarce resources. This paper, which is drawn from debates during the round table on "Security, risk perception and cost-benefit analysis", held in Paris in December 2008, investigates how economic analysis can contribute to the design of policies to maintain or enhance security in transport..