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Top of the class

12th November 2009
Page 32
Page 32, 12th November 2009 — Top of the class
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

It's all-go for Intelligent Transport Systems, but Brussels' enthusiasm for the Eurovignette Directive is on the wane.

The directive on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) looks set to be approved by the Council of Ministers by the end of the year.

Proposed benefits for hauliers include improved road safety, reduced congestion, and better journey planning using the latest electronic technology.

For example, the emergency services could be automatically alerted if a driver is unconscious following an accident.

While it is still not clear who will pay for the improvements, it is likely that member states will be expected to contribute.

Support

In April, the European Parliament approved the draft directive by 529 votes to 42 with 16 abstentions. But does the directive have the transport industry's support? The Freight Transport Association (PTA) gives it qualified approval. We support moves that ensure the smooth running of transport operations," says PTA European affairs manager Chris Yarsley. "However, we would like the freedom to choose the platforms we use. We are also concerned about data protection, because of the increase in cargo thefts. We don't want, 'I'm moving down the road with a load of plasma screens' to be broadcast to all and sundry."

Last April, the parliament gave guarantees on data protection, saying that processing of personal data must be in accordance with EU rules.

Transport modes

The ITS Directive is being guided through parliament by Danish MEP Anne Jensen, a sympathiser of the road transport industry. She used her role on the Transport Committee to win €5rn (£4.5m) of EC funding for a pilot project for secure parking sites across Europe. (The project continues as SETPOS, with a target of up to 80 secure sites by summer 2010.) "ITS can he applied in every transport mode: road, rail, air, water — in both passenger and freight," says Jensen. Examples of ITS applications include GPS and traffic supervision systems, and warning systems such as the automatic c-call, which alerts emergency services if the driver is unconscious after an accident.

Falling out of favour

While ITS makes progress, the Eurovignette Directive appears to have fallen out of favour. This directive proposes an EU-wide system of tolling on major roads, with the money being fed hack into transport infrastructure. The Swedish presidency has not declared it a priority, and the Spanish presidency is unlikely to show any more enthusiasm when it takes over in January.

The countries most likely to benefit are those that will collect tolls from foreign drivers transiting their territory — Spain does not fall into that category.

However, Belgium takes over the presidency in July 2010. and, as a country heavily affected by transit traffic, it may be inclined to revive the Eurovignc tie. I

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