What is the problem? Transport consumes too much energy

Mobility of people and goods is a cornerstone of Europe's economic activity but represents one of the most serious environmental challenges which we face today. Intelligent Transports Systems (ITS) use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to make transport more efficient, faster, easier and more reliable.

Why is EU action necessary? The EU has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020.

By applying smart ICT solutions in transport of all modes in Europe, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 25%. The European ITS Action Plan and its associated Directive support the fast deployment of interoperable ITS in road transport and other transport modes like railways, sky, and sea.

What will the Commission do?

By 2011

• Publication of the Impact Assessment of the eCall implementation
• Adoption of the Working Programme for the ITS Directive
• Establishment of the European ITS Advisory Group
• Adoption of guidelines for reporting
• Member States should report on national activities and projects and transposition of the ITS Directive
• Adoption of the eCall recommendation targeting Mobile Network Operators

By 2012

• Report on the progress in the implementation of the ITS Action Plan
• Adoption of specifications for the data and procedures for the provision, where possible, of road safety related minimum universal traffic information free of charge to users
• Adoption of specifications for the harmonised provision for an interoperable EU-wide eCall service
• Adoption of specifications for the provision of information services for safe and secure parking places for trucks and commercial vehicles
• Definition of specifications for V2V, V2I and I2I communications for cooperative systems (ITS Action Plan 4.3)
• Harmonisation of ITS standardisation on international level, in particular with USA and Japan
• Adoption of a regulation to include an additional requirement for the provision of eCall service within the motor vehicle type-approval regulatory framework
• Member States should inform on national ITS actions over the following 5 years period

Contact:

juhani.jaaskelainen@ec.europa.eu