Hau tiers to benefit from new European sat-nay
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TRANSPORT OPERATORS and their drivers are poised to benefit from better use of technology in tracking vehicles, reducing congestion. parking and accident reduction, thanks to a new European Commission (EC) directive.
The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Directive aims to simplify the use of technology, aided by Europe's new satellite systems.
Europe's first product in satellite navigation — FG NOS is now operational, and the Galileo satellite system goes live in 2013.
The EC explains that, for example, a truck driver going from Barcelona to Frankfurt may be carrying a GSM are a navigation system on board, as well as up to three different electronic devices for the toll charges in the member states he crosses. "It is important that these systems talk to each other," says Anne Jensen MEP, the rapporteur (sponsor) who has been guiding the directive through the European Parliament's Transport Committee.
Jensen aims to ensure that transport operators will benefit from the new technology. It could include an information system that enables truck drivers to find and book secure parking spaces." she says.
The European Parliament is due to vote on the directive in June.