EU rolls out intelligent information services

The European Commission has adopted two regulations to promote the roll-out of intelligent information services, such as real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. They can be provided through different means such as variable road signs, the radio and mobile phone applications. The Commission wants these information services to be interoperable and compatible across Europe, and available to as many drivers as possible along t
May 16, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
The 1690 European Commission has adopted two regulations to promote the roll-out of intelligent information services, such as real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. They can be provided through different means such as variable road signs, the radio and mobile phone applications.

The Commission wants these information services to be interoperable and compatible across Europe, and available to as many drivers as possible along the trans-European road network.

Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: “Smart systems are already part of most citizens’ daily life. Timely and accurate information can help us enhance road safety and security as well as transport efficiency.”

The number of road fatalities decreased by nine per cent in 2012, meaning that member states are back on track towards the objective of halving road deaths between 2010 and 2020.

Estimates suggest that intelligent information services could reduce the number of road fatalities by up to seven per cent, as well as the number and severity of accidents. They will also decrease delays caused by road accidents, CO2 emissions and the cost of repair of infrastructure. Moreover, they can reduce the time spent by lorry drivers searching for parking spaces up to thirty per cent.

The new regulations do not make the roll-out of information services mandatory. However, if and when member states, operators and service providers want to develop and deploy such services, they will have to comply with the regulations’ requirements.
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