# CE2004078EN.01058101.xml

| 27.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 78/581 |
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27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 78/581

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(2004/C 78 E/0615)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3546/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 November 2003)

Subject:   Using intelligent speed adaptation in road vehicles

Subject:

Every year, 40 000 people are killed and 1 700 000 injured on Europe's roads. In order to improve road safety in Europe, the European Commission proposes greater use of information and communication technologies. Innovations in terms of the burgeoning technical possibilities in this area are still, however, largely focused on drivers and passengers.

Intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) is not among the Commission's proposals. ISA prevents drivers from driving faster than the permitted maximum speed. According to a study by the European Transport Safety Council, this technology guarantees better protection not only for vehicle occupants but also for vulnerable road users, namely pedestrians and cyclists.

Does the Commission intend to promote and endorse ISA at European level? If not, what measures is the Commission taking to improve the safety of vulnerable road users?

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 2004)

(26 January 2004)

In its Road Safety Action Programme (1), the Commission announced its intention to examine national trials of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) devices and to assess their acceptability to the public. In this context, the Commission is giving its support to the development of ISA devices, particularly through the ongoing Prosper and Speed Alert projects. These projects are aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of ISA devices, the cost of introducing them, the industrial implications of creating an infrastructure to support these devices, various marketing strategies and their acceptability.

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As regards vulnerable road users, most of the actions announced in the European Road Safety Action Programme will significantly increase their protection. Certain actions are designed specifically to protect vulnerable road users, such as promoting road safety training from school age, encouraging the use of crash helmets by all two-wheel motor vehicle users, continuing to improve cars in order to reduce the severity of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, and improving the safety of motorcycles and their users.

Certain measures are being considered regarding the use of information and communications technologies for the protection of vulnerable road users, some of which also form part of European research projects. These measures, which could help prevent accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, currently remain longer term solutions.

The Commission is therefore supporting research projects on ISA devices, while also assessing other kinds of measures for the protection of vulnerable road users.

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(1)  Communication from the Commission on the European Road Safety Action Programme. Halving the number of road accident victims in the European Union by 2010: A shared responsibility [COM(2003) 311 final].

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