Deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe

In view of increasing road traffic congestion, the unacceptable number of road accidents and the increase in CO2 emissions, the European Commission intends to establish a framework by proposing an action plan and a Proposal for a Directive on Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe. The aim is to reduce gridlock, road accidents and carbon dioxide emissions, in line with the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs.

ACT AND PROPOSAL

Communication from the Commission - Action plan for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe [COM(2008) 886 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes [COM(2008) 887 final].

SUMMARY

Two types of measure are proposed, with the aim of enhancing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) * in Europe. On the one hand, an action plan gives six priorities aimed at accelerating and coordinating the deployment of ITS, and on the other a Proposal for a Directive describes the framework of this action plan.

Actionplan

The application plan proposed for ITS concerns the field of road transport and interfaces with other transport modes. The aim is to be able to coordinate existing available resources and instruments by implementing the following actions:

• optimisation of data concerning roads, traffic and travel through an information service on traffic and travel in real time at European level. The aim is to reduce gridlock and make the same information accessible to all European citizens;
• continuity of traffic and freight management ITS services on European transport corridors and in conurbations through a common framework;
• promotion of good practices in road safety and security, notably through the promotion of the deployment of advanced Driver Assistance Systems and ITS systems for safety and security;
• integration of vehicles in transport infrastructure, for example through a platform of ITS services and applications;
• personal data protection;
• effective cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders at European level, particularly through a legal framework.

Proposal for a Directive

This Proposal aims at defining a framework for the use of ITS in the road transport sector. The goal is to achieve more efficient, more environmentally friendly and more reliable goods and passenger transport.

It applies to all intelligent transport systems in the field of road transport and interfaces with other transport modes.

Deployment of ITS

Member States must make the use of interoperable ITS applications * and services * within the Community accessible including:

• data concerning road transport;
• traffic data;
• safety and security systems in vehicles and the road infrastructure;
• information between vehicles and road infrastructures.

To this effect, it is indispensable to use satellite-based infrastructures.

Certification of equipment and software

All equipment or software falling outside the scope of Directives 2002/24/EC, 2003/37/EC and 2007/46/EC must be certified before being put into service.

A national organisation is responsible for the certification of ITS equipment and software.

Data protection

Regarding ITS, Directives 95/46/EC and 2002/58/EC provide the legal framework for personal data protection.

Member States must protect ITS data and recordings against misuse.

The European Commission shall be assisted by the European ITS Committee. Moreover, it will be advised by an ITS Advisory Group.

Context

It is essential to implement an innovative strategy for transport and mobility at European level in view of denser road traffic (by 2020 an increase of 55 % is expected in goods transport and of 36 % in passenger transport) and higher energy consumption. A European framework for ITS seems an appropriate solution since it will contribute to making road transport safer, and will also promote the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs.

See also

Further information is available on the following website:

• European Commission Directorate-General for Transport, Intelligent transport systems

Last updated: 29.04.2009