Europe votes for Intelligent Transport Systems directive
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DRIVERS ACROSS THE EL: could soon be benefitting from improved information on secure truck parking and live congestion data after the European Parliament voted to introduce a new directive.
The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Directive is not mandatory for ELI member states, but could offer drivers added security and safety across the Continent.
As well as live traffic data. in-cab technology could alert the emergency services if the vehicle is involved in an accident, and enable stolen vehicles to be more easily tracked.
The European Commission has set deadlines for member states to submit plans for introducing ITS systems. Plans for providing information on secure parking places for trucks and in-cab technology must he submitted by the end of 2012: traffic information by the end of 2013; and multitnodal traffic information by the end of 2014.
Some funding is available through the EC Easy Way programme, but ITS must largely be funded by member states "I hope member states will realise ITS is cheap and can improve safety and efficiency in transport," says Anne Jensen MEP. rapporteur for the directive.
-I hope they will see it as a solution. not a financial burden." she says.
The EC hopes to deploy EGNOS. its first satellite navigation product. which is now operational, in introducing ITS.