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Public Private Partnership boosts deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe

ERTICO - ITS Europe, a public-private partnership of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) European stakeholders held a series of high-level workshops under the theme of “Bringing Intelligence into Mobility – Deployment challenges”, as part of its annual Forum, held in Brussels on 15 June 2010.

The Forum explored the current status and ambitions of ITS as seen by differing stakeholder groups – service providers, telecom operators, infrastructure providers, manufacturers, the public sector and user groups. High level representatives from each stakeholder group, as well as representatives from the European institutions and international organisations, presented and discussed state of the art ITS services and future deployment plans up to 2020.

Specific topics explored in depth included the role of ITS in the electrification of vehicles, the impact of the cellular revolution on ITS and how ITS deployment is driven by competition.

The Forum showed that there are already many ITS services deployed in Europe, improving road safety, reducing congestion and supporting the driver. All the public and private stakeholders present showed their enthusiasm and commitment to advancing ITS to where it will provide all the necessary information to the traveller to ensure safe, comfortable, predictable and environmental journeys.

Dr Prof. Gunter Zimmermeyer, Chairman of the ERTICO Board, underlined the importance of competition in ITS deployment. “Whereas cooperation to ensure interoperability and resilience is necessary at the research stage, deployment will be driven by companies competing to offer the best service at the best price. ITS will not only make transport greener and safer, but also provide a competitive edge for industry.”

Mr Jean-Eric Paquet, Director, DG MOVE, presented the current status of the ITS Action Plan and the associated ITS Directive: "The ITS Action Plan outlines the priority areas and related measures for accelerating and coordinating the deployment of ITS solutions across the European Union, and to ensure seamless ITS services for European citizens. The European Union will meet the challenge of providing the necessary environment for the successful deployment of ITS."

Mrs Zita Gurmai, MEP, noted that “…ITS contributes to European competitiveness by creating valuable export goods, technologies and services. I consider our cooperation with ERTICO among one of my most fruitful professional relationships… there are only a few organisations working in such a close relationship with the European decision making bodies.”

There was agreement that the ITS community can only successfully move ITS forward if it works together in partnership We stand at the threshold of a world where connected transport modes contribute to zero accidents, zero delays, reduced impact on the environment and fully informed people, where services are affordable and seamless, privacy is respected and security ensured.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

About ERTICO – ITS Europe:

ERTICO – ITS Europe represents the interests and expertise of around 100 Partners involved in providing Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS). It facilitates the safe, secure, clean, efficient and comfortable mobility of people and goods in Europe through the widespread deployment of ITS.

ERTICO – ITS Europe was founded at the initiative of leading members of the European Commission, Ministries of Transport and the European Industry. ERTICO is the network of Intelligent Transport Systems and Services stakeholders in Europe. ERTICO ITS Europe connects public authorities, industry players, infrastructure operators, users, national ITS associations and other organisations.

The ERTICO Partners and a dedicated ERTICO team of highly skilled professionals work on a portfolio of activities to accelerate the development and deployment of ITS across Europe and beyond.

In the past, ERTICO – ITS Europe has played a leading role in advancing: