Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on a Community strategy and framework for the deployment of road transport telematics in Europe and proposals for initial actions
Date: 1997-05-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: common transport policy, provision of services, road transport, telematics, trans-European network

COMMISSION  OF THE EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES 

Brussels,  20.05.1997 
COM(97)  223  final 

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the 
European Parliament 

on a 

COMMUNITY STRATEGY AND FRAMEWORK FOR 

THE DEPLOYMENT OF ROAD TRANSPORT 

TELEMATICS IN EUROPE 

and 

Proposals for Initial Actions 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

2.  FRAMEWORK FOR DEPLOYMENT OF  ROAD TRANSPORT 

TELEMATICS IN EUROPE 

2.1  SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY 

2.2  THE INFORMATION SOCIETY AND EUROPEAN  INDUSTRY 

2.3.  NEED FOR EU  ACTION 

2.4.  THE EU  APPROACH 

3.  FIRST PRIORITY DOMAINS 

3.1. RDS-TMC  BASED TRAFFIC INFORMATION SERVICES 

3.2.  ELECTRONIC FEE COLLECTION 

3.3.  TRANSPORT DATA EXCHANGE AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 

3.4.  HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE 

3.5.  SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE 

4.  OTHER APPLICATIONS  ON EU AGENDA 

4 . 1.  PRE  -  TRIP, ON-TRIP INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE 

4.2.  INTER-URBAN  TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT,  OPERATION  AND CONTROL 

4.3.  OTHER  URBAN TRANSPORT TELEMATICS SERVICES 

4.4.  COLLECTIVE TRANSPORT 

4.5.  ADVANCED VEHICLE SAFETY/CONTROL SYSTEMS 

4.6.  COMMERCIAL  VEHICLE OPERATIONS (LOGISTIC CHAINS) 

5.  CONCLUSIONS 

1 ^ 

1 b 

1  b 

2 

3 

3 

5 

5 

7 

9 

11 

12 

13 

13 

14 

16 

17 

17 

18 

18 

SUMMARY 

1.  Road  Transport  Telematics  (RTT)  can  benefit  individuals,  transport  service 
providers, fleet managers, road operators, policy makers and the environment. It 
can  also  create  market  opportunities  for  European  industry  and  service 
providers. 

2.  The  potential  of  RTT  has  been  recognised  by  the  Council  of  the  European 
Union, the European Parliament  and the Economic and Social Committee1*. The 
aim  of  this  communication  is  to  provide  a  framework  for  action  at  European 
Union,  national,  regional  and  local  levels.  It  sets  out  specific  initial  actions 
covering the period  1997 to 1999 in five priority areas: 

•  RDS-TMC2-based Traffic  Information  Services 
•  Traffic  Data Exchange/Information  Management 

the  main  action  in  these  two  areas  is  to  create  a  framework  for  the  use  of 
technical  standards  and  operating  protocols.  This  should  be  done  by  way  of 
voluntary Memoranda  of Understanding between the actors  involved.  If this is 
not  achieved  by  October  1997  the  Commission  will  consider  putting  forward 
legislative proposals. 

•  Electronic  Fee Collection:  the key action is to devise and implement  a strategy 
to  achieve  convergence  between  existing  and  new  systems  to  ensure  an 
appropriate level of interoperability Europe-wide. 

•  Human/Machine  Interface:  a code  of practice  will  be  developed  to  ensure  on 
board telematic devices dc not impair driver performance  or cause  discomfort. 
•  System Architecture: the aim is to define a European open system architecture. 

3.  Further  analysis  will  be undertaken  of  other  applications  to  determine  whether 
and  what  specific  actions  are  required,  their  priorities  and  any  necessary 
additions. 

4.  The  Commission  will  bring  forward  detailed  proposals  in  the  period  1997  to 
1999.  monitor  implementation  progress  and  report  annually.  It  will  also  roll 
forward  the  present  actions,  adding  new  proposals  to  take  us  into  the  new 
millennium and beyond. 

OJ  94/C  309/01,  OJ  95/C  264/01,  EP  (95)  212.659/fin,  Ecosoc  CES  1160/95  and  Council 
Resolution of  11.3.97 n° 6321/97 Trans 33 
RDS-TMC  (Radio  Data  System-Traffic  Message  Channel)  is  a  broadcast  service  which  gives 
drivers  messages  about  the  latest  traffic  conditions  in  their  chosen  language  or  on  a  visual 
display tailored to their particular journey 
In this document "actors" does not include the Commission. 

\CK. 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Road  Transport  Telematics  (RTT)  will  benefit  individual  citizens by  making  driving  safer 
and  easier with  fewer  delays.  It can help transport  service providers and  fleet  managers by 
providing  logistical  and  management  support.  Road  operators  can  use  RTT  to  manage 
traffic  more  effectively  and  reduce  congestion,  and  by  allowing  a  more  efficient  use  of 
infrastructure,  RTT gives policy makers  an alternative to road building. RTT  can also  have 
a positive  effect  on the  environment  by  encouraging the use of public  transport, helping  to 
secure  a more  balanced  and  improved  modal  mix, reducing  pollution  and  securing  a  more 
efficient  use  of  energy  sources.  At  the  same  time  market  opportunities  for  industry  and 
"added  value" service providers will be created  as part of the growing Information  Society. 

RTT  will,  however,  be  most  effective  if  it  is  integrated  into  transport  strategies  to  deliver 
specific  policy objectives. 

The  potential  of  RTT  has  been  recognised  by  the  Council  of  the  European  Union,  the 
European  Parliament  and  the  Economic  and  Social  Committee.  This  communication  has 
been  prepared  in  response  to  the  Council's  request 
to  the  Commission  to  propose  a 
general  strategy  and  framework  for  the  deployment  of  telematics  in  the  road  transport 
sector.  It  has  been  prepared  with  the  help  of  a  High  Level  Group  of  representatives  from 
the Member  States taking  into  account the report  on  activities within  the  EU  in the  field  of 
Road  Transport  Telematics  and after  discussions with  industry  and  user representatives. It 
is  the  first  part  of  a  general  strategy  for  the  deployment  of  transport  telematics  in  Europe 
which  will need  to  embrace all transport  modes  and their interfaces  taking into  account  the 
rapid  evolution  of the Information  Society.  Its aim  is to provide  a framework  for  action  at 
European  Union,  national, regional  and  local  levels.  It also  sets out  the  initial phase  of a 
rolling  action  plan  for  the  deployment  of  RTT  in  Europe,  covering  the  period  1997  to 
1999. 

2. 

FRAMEWORK  FOR DEPLOYMENT OF  ROAD TRANSPORT TELEMATICS IN EUROPE 

2.1 

SUSTAINABLE  MOBILITY 

An  efficient  road  transport  system  can  make  a  major  contribution  to  economic  growth  in 
the  EU,  increase  personal  mobility  and  promote  employment  opportunities. The  other  side 
of  the  coin  is  a death  toll  of  more  than  44,000  every  year  on  EU  roads,  severe  congestion 
in and around  many cities and  pollution. 
The  EU's  Common  Transport  Policy  seeks  to  maximise  the  first  set  of  factors  while 
minimising  the  second:  its  objective  is  sustainable  mobility.  This  objective  is  reinforced 
by  the  specific  objectives  in  the  Community  guidelines  for  the  trans-European  transport 

Council  Resolution  of  24.10.94  OJ  94/C  309/01  of  5.1 1.94,  Council  Resolution  of  28  .9.95  OJ  95/C264 
of  11.10.95,  Resolution  of  the  Kuropean  Parliament  of  29.6.95  PH 212.659/fm,  Opinion  of  the  Ixosoc  on 
COM(94)  469  final  of  25.10.95  CCS  1160/95  and  Council  Resolution  of  1  1.3.97 n° 6321/97  Trans  33. 
OJ95/C  264  of  11.10.95 
Commission  Staff  Working  paper  SHC (97)  475  of  7.3.97  n"6634/97  Trans  42 
A  separate  action  plan  for  a  Global  Navigation  Satellite  System  (GNSS)  is  being  prepared  by  the 
Commission.  This  will  also  impact  on  road  transport 

b-

network  - to contribute  to the attainment  of the smooth  functioning  of the  internal 
market,  the  strengthening  of  economic  and  social  cohesion  and  the  sustainable 
mobility  of  persons  and  goods  under  the  best  possible  social,  environmental  and 
safety  conditions. 

New  applications  and pilot projects  have shown how road  transport  telematics, as part of 
an  intelligent  transport  system,  can  help  optimise  existing  infrastructure  capacities,  link 
networks and services, improve safety and reduce the negative effects  of road transport on 
the environment9 (see Chapters 3 and 4 for details). 

v 

Trans-European  Transport  Network  (TEN-Transport) 

The  TEN-Transport  guidelines  define  the  trans-European  road  network  (TERN)  as 
comprising  motorways  and  high-quality  roads  as  well  as  the  infrastructure  for  traffic 
management  and user  information  systems, based  on active  co-operation  between  traffic 
management  systems  at  European,  national  and  regional  levels.  The  guidelines  give 
priority  to  the  development  and  establishment  of  systems  for  the  management  and 
control  of network  traffic  and  user  information  with  a view  to optimising  use of the 
infrastructure.  Projects  of common  interest  on the TERN  are eligible  for support  from 
the TEN-Transport budget in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95. 

2.2 

T HE  INFORMATION SOCIETY  AND EUROPEAN  INDUSTRY 

The Information  Society  evolution plays a vital role in almost  all  sectors of the  economy, 
through the provision  of new  products  and services.  However  the sector of the economy 
where  better  access  to  timely  and  reliable  information  may  have  the  most  immediate 
impact  on  our  daily  lives  is  transportation:  efficiency  and  safety  gains  from  a  better 
knowledge of how transport  networks perform  and how to manage them more  effectively 
are  proven;  on-line  travel  and traffic  information  provide  opportunities  for  new '*added 
value  service" businesses  for the benefit  of people  and transport  operators;  tele-services 
will  affect  mobility;  and finally  the automotive  and transport  industries  will  benefit  from 
the market demand for new products. 

The Information  Society and intelligent transport  infrastructures  will benefit  each other by 
addressing  common  issues  such  as  interoperability,  security,  liability  and  privacy. 
However  a  mechanism  for  engaging  governments  and other  actors  more  formally  in 
the  policies of the information  society  and transport  telematics  needs to emerge. This 
is one of the objectives of this Communication. 

Decision  on Ten-Transport  Guidelines of 23.7.96 OJ.96/L228 of 09.09.96. 
Council  Directive  92/72  I*KC provides,  inter alia,  for the monitoring of ground-level  ozone  pollution and 
the  information  of  the population  if  certain  threshold  values  are exceeded.  Council  Directive  96/62/HC 
requires  that  air quality  be  monitored  against  limits  to be  fixed  by the Community  in the next  lew years. 
Member  States  are  also  required  to  draw  up  action  plans,  which  will  normally  include  traffic-related 
provisions. 

.  ") 

Trans-European  Telecom Network  (TEN-TELECOM) 

logistical support for transport operations 

Guidelines  for  the  establishment  of  Trans-European  Telecommunications  networks  have 
been  agreed  in principle  by  the  European  Parliament  and the  Council.  Part  of  the TEN-
TELECOM work programme will be to promote projects of common interest for user-
orientated services in the transport sector. This includes: 
• 
•  commercial  and  publicly  funded  services  for  trip  planning,  route  guidance  and  other 
information  services, freight  and fleet  management, integrated payment and1 reservation 
services, etc. 
transport telematics services in urban areas. 

• 
The deployment  of these services based on advanced  fixed  and mobile  telecommunication 
networks  should  satisfy,  wherever  applicable,  the  necessary  complementarity  and 
interoperability with the TEN-Transport network. 

2.3.  NEED  FOR EU  ACTION 

Present  experience  suggests  that without  an agreed framework,  European  investments 
in  RTT  will take  place  on  a fragmented  basis, with  at best poor  continuity  in  services 
and  at  worst  islands  of  incompatible  technology.  The  risks,  if  RTT  applications  are  not 
developed according to sound principles, will be: 
•  an  incoherent  telematics  infrastructure  and  therefore  a weak  market  for  RTT  products 

and services within the EU; 

lack of critical mass in the market to enable RTT applications to be  cost-effective; 

•  slow development of vital support arrangements for priority RTT applications; 
• 
•  consequently a poor take-up of RTT in support of transport policy objectives; 
•  a weaker basis for European suppliers to service markets for RTT products and services 
in Eastern Europe and other markets in competition with US and Japanese suppliers of 
products and services. 

THE EU  APPROACH 

2.4 
2.4.1  Objectives 

The  Commission's  objectives  in  drafting  this  EU  strategy  and  the  accompanying 
deployment actions are 

-3 

to provide  a framework  for developing  a comprehensive  range of RTT  services  and 
systems  in  ;i flexible  vv;iv in answer  to  loc.nl and  El I needs  and  requirements; 
to  be  open  lo  all  technologies  (although  priority  actions  will  necessarily  be  based 
on mature applications,  technologies  or procedures  such  as  RDS-TMC); 
to  encourage  authorities  when  planning  transport  infrastructure  to  incorporate  RTT 
into  projects; 
to use TENs projects  and  funding  as an important  motor  for  deployment; 
to  encourage  private  sector  participation  and  funding,  including  public/private 
partnerships; 
to  provide  stable  conditions  for  SMEs  as  users  of  RTT  services  by  taking  proper 
account  of their requirements  in the proposed  actions; 
to  ensure  an  appropriate  level  of  interoperability  between  infrastructures  and 
services so as to provide  an optimum  service to users. 

' 

2.4.2  Principle  of  Subsidiarity 

In  accordance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity,  the  strategy  should  build  on  actions  at 
Community  level  where  progress  can  best  be  achieved  by  Community  action,  or  where 
success  cannot  be  sufficiently  achieved  by  action  at  national  level.  Table  1 indicates  the 
roles and responsibilities  of the various players. 

Table  1 :  Roles  and  responsibilities 

The  legal,  organisational  and  administrative  framework  for  road  transport  varies  considerably  from  one  part 
of  Europe  to  another.  The  following  gives  a very  broad  outline  of  the  division  of  responsibilities  in  the  field 
of Road  Transport Telematics (RTT).  The  details  will  vary  from  region  to  region. 

The  European  Union:  responsibilities 
include  technical  harmonisation;  concertation  of  research  and 
technical  development,  concerted  action  on  RTT  implementation  with  Member  States;  the  promotion  of 
standards  (implementation  of  standards,  publicly  available  specifications,  protocols,  reference  position 
documents  etc,);  financial  support  from  R&D  in  appropriate  fields  of  European  interest,  TENs,  etc.  and, 
whenever  necessary,  appropriate  legislation. 

The  Member  States:  In  accordance  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity,  Member  States  will  develop  their  own 
deployment  strategies  for  RTT 
legal  and 
institutional  arrangements.  In  particular  they  will  need  to  determine  which  RTT  applications  should  be 
provided  as  a service  of general  interest  (however  delivered,  whether  by  the  public  sector,  the  private  sector 
or both  in partnership)  and  what  is for  purely  commercial  exploitation  by  the  private  sector. 

to  reflect  national  priorities,  requirements  and  preferred 

The  regions  and  local  administrations:  will  also  be  major  actors  in  securing  effective  deployment  of  RTT. 
Their  support  for  and  commitment  to agreed  common  European  goals  will  be  important. 

European  Standardisation  bodies:  are  expected  to  develop  and  adopt  European  standards  and  thus  provide 
the  foundation  for  interoperable  systems  and  services.  They  must  have  an  active  contribution  from  all 
participating  partners  (industry,  public  authorities,  etc.). 

Commercial  RTT  service  providers:  are  expected  to  play  an  increasingly  important  role  in  developing  the 
market  for  RTT  products  and  services  in  various  ways,  and  in 
funding  K IT  projects  cither  directly  or 
through  Public/Private  Partnerships. 

The  automotive  industry,  equipment  manufacturers,  systems  designers  and  suppliers:  will  spear-head  these 
developments  in response  lo market  opportunities  and  customer  requirements. 

4-

3. 

FIRST PRIORITY  DOMAINS 

In  line  with  the  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  the  European  Union10  and  the  European 
the  views  of  industry  and 
Parliament,  advice  from  the  High  Level  Group  as  well  as 
consumers, the Commission has proposed the following areas for priority actions. 

Traffic  Information  Services(RDS-TMC) 
Electronic Fee Collection 
Transport Data Exchange / Information  Management 
Human Machine  Interface 
System architecture 

Whenever  possible  responsibility  for  action  has  been  identified  and  assigned  to  the 
appropriate actor(s). Actions have been grouped into five different  categories11: 

A.  Research  &  Development  covered  by  the  current  4th  Framework  Programme 
and mentioned in the Commission's proposal for the 5th Framework  Programme 
(1998 - 2002) under the theme "Creating a user-friendly  Information  Society" as 

B. 

, well as national actions; 
standardisation,  publicly  available 
Technical  Harmonisation, 
specifications, protocols, reference position documents etc. and the development 
of Memoranda of Understanding by the actors involved (see Footnote n°3); 
C.  Concertation  and  co-ordination  of  implementation  at  the  European  level 

including 

D. 

including concerted action with Member States 
Financing,  in  particular  through  the  Trans-European  Network  budgets  for 
Transport and Telecommunications  12; 

E.  Where  necessary,  EU  legislation  such  as  harmonisation  measures  (Table 2,  p. 

20, sets out Community instruments available for Road Transport Telematics); 
Existing  legislation,  e.g.  consumer  protection,  will  be  used  and  augmented 
where appropriate. 

3.1.  RDS-TMC  BASED TRAFFIC INFORMATION  SERVICES 

RDS-TMC  (Radio  Data  System-Traffic  Message  Channel)  is  a  broadcast  service  which 
gives  drivers  messages  about  the  latest  traffic  conditions.  Specially  adapted  in-vehicle 
units  can  deliver  the  information  by  speech  or  visual  display  and  can  be  selected  in  a 
particular  language to provide  information  tailored  to a particular journey.  EU  objectives 
are  to  guarantee  cross-border  interoperability  and  to  facilitate  the  creation  of  a 
European  market  for  products  and  services.  These  measures  will  also  provide  the 

Council  Resolution  of the 28 September  1995, OJ 95/C  264. 
r^>  This symbol  used  in chapter  3 shows  where  actions  are  required. 
Community  finance  will be used  mainly  as "seed"  money. 

- 5-

groundwork  for upgraded  and other technologies as they become available, e.g. GSM and 
DAB based services.13 

A.  Research & Development 
=>  RDS-TMC  technology  is almost  at the end of the R&D phase. Work  is continuing  on 

the development of the information  exchange protocols. 

B.  Technical  Harmonisation 
is  needed  in  various  key  areas  (such  as  geographical  location 
Technical  harmonisation 
referencing,  data dictionary,  event  list, application  and data exchange protocols)  to ensure 
continuity and interoperability for multi-modal travel and traffic  information  services. 

=>  The Commission will encourage the rapid adoption of the standards in the European 

=> 

standardisation bodies 
In  the  meantime,  as  requested  in  the  Council  Resolutions  of  September  1995  and 
March  1997, the Member  States should promote the introduction  of RDS-TMC  and 
implement their services according to the proposed pre-standards or specifications  to 
ensure continuity and interoperability. 

=>  The  Commission  will  facilitate  the  conclusion  of  a  common  framework 
(possibly  "Memoranda  of  Understanding"  (MoU)  by  the  relevant  actors 
involved,  e.g.  road  authorities,  broadcasters,equipment  and  service  providers. 
This  will  cover,  interalia,  the  commitment  to  service  provision  and  the  use  of 
standards on the TERN. The target is to conclude such  MoU by the date of the 
Berlin World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in October  1997. It is, 
of  course, open  to the  Commission  to put forward  legislative  proposals  at  any 
time.  If  MoU  have  not  been  achieved  by  the  target  date,  the  Commission  will 
consider  putting  forward  proposals  by  the  end  of  1997  for  the  use  of  the 
necessary technical specifications  for such service. 
In  certain  countries  some  features  of  RDS  are  misused  for  publicity  purposes  and 
may  endanger road  safety.  The national  radio  regulatory  bodies need  to  enforce  the 
application of the CENELEC standard regarding the use of RDS features. 

=> 

C.  Co-ordination  of implementation 
Co-ordination  activities  are  needed  to  define  pan-European  RDS-TMC  implementation 
policies and strategies, and to ensure commitment of all parties involved. 

The Commission will: 
=> 

restructure  the  RDS-TMC  Steering  Committee  to  include  representatives  of  the 
broadcasters and  industry so as to promote the commitment  of all actors to the MoU. 
The  definition  of  minimum  requirements  for  a common  trans-European  RDS-TMC' 
traffic  information  service should  be part of the MoU; 
facilitate  a dialogue  between  industry  and  Member  States  regarding  the  availability 
of  language modules  for  lesser spoken  languages  in  line with  the Council  resolution 
of  11 March  1997; 
propose procedural  rules for national  location databases for the TERN; 
encourage consensus building and deployment via TEN-T projects; 

=> 

=> 
=> 

GSM  ^  Global  System  for  Mobile  Communications,  DAB  Digital  Audio  liroadcastinu 

-  6 -

=> 

publicise  the  potential  benefits  and  characteristics  of  RDS-TMC  to  accelerate 
implementation. 

The Member States should: 
=>  ensure that  their  organisational  framework  clearly  defines  roles  and  responsibilities 

for the different  parties in the provision of services; 
establish and improve cross-border data exchange with their neighbours. 

=> 

D.  Financing 
A  minimum  level  of  basic  intelligent  infrastructure  (monitoring,  Traffic  Information 
Centres,  data  exchange)  needs  to  be  established  on  the  TERN  for  guaranteeing  a  Pan-
European service. 

» 

=>  The  TENs  Committees  should  take  full  account  of  the  importance  attached  to  the 
establishment  of  the  basic  intelligent  infrastructure.  A  priority  has  already  been 
given  to  large  scale  demonstration  and  implementation  projects  in  1995/96  and 
1996/97. 

=>  The  Member  States  should  define  and  make  provision  in  their  infrastructure 
implementation plans for RDS-TMC, and establish/ maintain corresponding national 
location databases. 

E.  Legislation 
Will be reviewed at a later stage (see 3.1. B). 

3.2  ELECTRONIC FEE COLLECTION (EFC) 

Electronic fee collection (EFC) covers not only automatic toll collection but also provides 
the means to introduce electronic differentiated  pricing to address problems of congestion 
and  pollution  and  to  influence  the  balance  between  different  transport  modes  .  An 
appropriate  level  of  inter-operability  must  be  achieved  so  as  to  provide  an  optimum 
service to the user at a reasonable cost; i.e. users should need only one type of equipment 
wherever they travel in Europe. 

Some countries  have already invested  heavily in EFC systems. However the proposals  for 
pre-standards  for  the  Dedicated  Short  Range  Communications  (DSRC)  link  being 
developed in CEN are to a different  specification.  Therefore  a strategy is needed  for the 
convergence of all EFC systems to achieve interoperability at a European level. 

The  adoption  of  a  technical  standard  for  the  communication  link  is  not  the  only  issue. 
Questions  of vehicle classification,  multi-lane  enforcement,  non-equipped  users  and  legal 
and institutional issues remain. 

The policy issue of using differentiated  road pricing as a way of reducing congestion and pollution  is dealt with in 
the Commission's Green  Paper, "Towards Fair and  Efficient  Pricing  in Transport" and  the Commission proposal 
for  a  replacement  of  Directive 93/89  includes  provisions on  a  greater differentiation  of  reduced  taxes  and  user 
charges 

A.  Research & Development 
EU projects should inform  the following  activities : 

=> 

validating  the  DSRC  link  to  the  CEN/TC278  DSRC  proposed  pre-standard  as 
suitable technology for automatic toll collection and other RTT services; 

=>  devising  a strategy for the migration  from  existing systems; 
=>  harmonising  financial,  institutional  and commercial  requirements  in order to achieve 

contractual interoperability between operators; 

=>  achieving  greater  precision  in the essential  parameters  and  mechanisms 'involved  in 

road pricing and tolling. 

=>  The European Union should support R&D projects  and multi-national  field  trials, in 
order  to  demonstrate  and  validate  technical  solutions  in  multi-lane  environments 
(including  classification  and  enforcement  as  well  as  compatibility  of  technical 
solutions for the communications) and will facilitate the strategy for inter-operability 
as requested by the Council Resolutions of 28 September  1995 and  11 March 1997. 

B.  Technical  Harmonisation 
=>  The  European  standardisation  bodies  will  be  asked  to  define 

the  technical 
standards and specifications  for interoperability  of EFC systems at  a European 
level,  taking  into  account  multi-lane  operations  and  the  introduction  of 
additional  telematics  services  using  the  same  technology,  i.e.  booking  and 
payment facilities. The aim will be to complete the work by the year 2000 at the 
latest 

=>  The Commission will examine with appropriate authorities the European  availability 

of extra band-width for DSRC in the frequency  already allocated for RTT.15 

C.  Co-ordination  of implementation 
•=>  The Commission  and Member States will develop  a strategy  for convergence of 
EFC  systems  in  order  to  achieve  inter-operability  at  a European  level,  taking 
in  the  European 
into  account  systems  already  existing  and  the  work 
standardisation  bodies. 

=>  The  CARD-ME  (Concerted  Action  for  Research  on  Demand  Management  in 
Europe)  Steering  Committee  has been  asked  to accelerate  the work  on  contractual 
and procedural interoperability on issues such as: 
*  vehicle classification  (using on-going work of CEN) 
*  reliable and fair  enforcement 
*  non-equipped  users 
*  legal and  institutional  issues, e.g. data protection, privacy, liability. 

=>  Other  concerted  actions  will  be  undertaken,  as  necessary,  for  example  to  achieve  a 

coherent  European strategy on road pricing. 

=>  As the public perception of the situation  is very  important,  attention  will  need  to  be 
given  both  at  EU  and  at  national  levels  to  the  dissemination  of  information  on  the 
potential  benefits of EFC systems. 

Conference  for  the  Huropean  Postal  and  Telecommunication  Administrations  (CHPT),  1-RC Decision  ol 
22.10.92  (DK(7<)2/()2) 

-  X  -

Financing 

D. 
=>  The  Community,  for  example  through  the  TEN-Transport  budget,  will  support 
projects  for  implementation  of  interoperable  electronic  fee collection  systems. 

Legislation 

E. 
==>  The  legal  aspects  of  enforcement  requires  as  a  first  step,  identification  of  relevant 
provisions  in  Member  States  legislation;  the  operational  aspects  of  Trans-European 
enforcement  will  be  studied;  if  necessary,  harmonisation  proposals  will  be  made. 
Other  elements, such  as vehicle classification,  may  also need  legislative  action. 

The  Commission  will  take  into  account  the  requirements  and  experience  of  Commission 
Regulation  (EC) N°  1524/96  (eco-tags  using  DSRC  technology)  in  framing  any  proposals 
on  electronic  fee  collection. 

3.3 

TRANSPORT  DATA  EXCHANGE  AND  INFORMATION  M A N A G E M E NT 

Transport  data  collection  and  exchange  is  a prerequisite  for  most  RTT  services,  including 
RDS-TMC.  The  deployment  of RTT  services  in  Europe  will  require  a  close  co-operation 
between  different  countries  and  regions  particularly  by  exchanging  traffic  data  and 
establishing  cross-border  traffic  information  and management  services. 

The private  sector  is also expected  to be an important  supplier  of telematic  services  such  as 
route  guidance  and  travel  information  for  the  road  transport  sector  in  addition  to  those 
already  offered  by the road  administrations. 

A  stable  European  harmonised  framework  within  which  these  service  providers  can 
provide  cross-border  services  will  help  ensure  the  interoperability  of  the  services  on  the 
TERN  and  facilitate  deployment  of  the  services  across  borders  in  a  seamless  way.  Such  a 
framework  could  also be used  as a model  for  the extension  of the value-added  services  into 
other parts of the road  network. 

Research  &  Development 

A. 
=>  Harmonisation  and  validation  of  data  exchange  specifications  are  currently  being 

carried  out within  the DATEX  initiative, and R&D  projects. 

=> 

Technical  Harmonisation 

B. 
=>  The  Commission  will  encourage  adoption  of  common  standards  for  cross-border 
traffic  data exchange  including  the data dictionary  and  its events  list, message  format 
and  protocols,  digital  road  maps  and  geographical  location  referencing. 
The  Commission  will  request  the  European  standardisation  bodies  to  formally 
approve  common  interfaces  for  traffic  data  exchange.  Multimodal  information  will 
also  be  covered. 
The  Commission  will  facilitate  the  development  of  a  framework  (possibly  the 
conclusion  of  "Memoranda  of  Understanding"  (MoU)  by  the  relevant  actors, 
e.g.  road  authorities  and  service  providers,  for 
the  use  of  data  exchange 
standards  on  the  TERN.  As  in  the  case  of  RDS-TMC,  the  target  for  conclusion 
of  such  MoU  is  the  Berlin  World  Congress  on  Intelligent  Transport  Systems  in 

=> 

October  1997.  If  the  target  date  is  not  met  the  Commission  will,  if  necessary, 
put forward  proposals to ensure that data and  information  exchange  is carried 
out in accordance with the necessary technical  specifications. 

C.  Co-ordination  of implementation 
Efficient  cross-border  exchange  of  traffic  data  between  the  relevant  authorities  and 
organisations  will  necessarily  have  to  go  beyond  the  technical  aspects  (related  to  the 
procedure,  format  and  meaning  of  data  exchanged)  to  consider  other  aspects  such  as 
reliability  of  data,  mutual  responsibilities,  data  exchange  procedure,  Imbility  and 
cost/payment. 
=>  The  Steering  Committee  on  Traffic  Centres  and  Data  Exchange  Issues  will, 
following  an overview of the situation  in Member  States, provide  recommendations 
on: 
*  financing  cross-border data exchange 
*  integration of other modes 
*  procedural interoperability aspects for data exchange between traffic  centres. 
=>  A number of other  issues, including  those listed below, will need  to be resolved 

by the Member States in order to stimulate the development  of RTT services. 
*  Principles for access to public traffic  data by the RTT service providers and for the 

exchange of public and privately owned traffic  data. 

*  Provision  for  an  enabling  framework  facilitating  the  formation  of  public-private 
partnerships  and  more  generally  the  participation  of  the  private  sector  in 
licensing  procedures, 
developing  RTT  services.  Issues 
obligations  for  compliance  with  policies  of  public  interest  and  a  consistent  and 
harmonised approach to trans-European services. 

include:  simplified 

*  Provision  of  a  framework  allowing  for  traffic  monitoring  by  independent  traffic 
service  providers  (public  or  private  sector  or  in  partnership)  including  the 
possibility  of  installation  and  maintenance  of  traffic  monitoring  equipment  along 
the roads. 

*  Right  for  RTT  service providers  (public  or private)  to broadcast  and  disseminate 
travel  and  traffic  information  as  free  or  paid  service,  destined  for  the  general 
public or for specific  user groups. 

*  Principles  for  the  interconnection  of  driver,  vehicle  and  transport  operator 

databases  between transport administrations. 

=>  The  Commission  will  review  the  arrangements  operating  in  each  Member  State  and 
will  bring  forward,  if necessary,  appropriate proposals  for  harmonisation  measures by 
the end of 1998. 

Financing 

D. 
=>  The  Commission  will  examine  ways  to  encourage  and  support  national  and  cross-
border  traffic  data  exchange  infrastructure  via  national,  or  European  co-ordination 
projects  in the TEN budget  lines. In addition  it will  examine the possibility  of  using 
Community 
Interchange  of  Data  between 
(e.g.: 
Administrations)  to  fund  activities  linked  to the exchange  of data  between  Member 
States on driver, vehicle and transport  operator  information. 

instruments 

financial 

E.  Legislation 
Will be reviewed at a later stage (see 3.3. B and C). 

3.4  HUMAN  MACHINE INTERFACE  (HMI) 

Telematics  devices  inside  vehicles will  have  an impact  on  traffic  safety.  There  are two 
main types of devices  1) information  displays intended to support  driving decisions and 2) 
vehicle  control  devices  (such  as  Autonomous  Intelligent  Cruise  Control  and  Collision 
Avoidance Systems) which influence the driver task. Two separate codes of good practice 
applying  to  the  actors  should  help  to maximise  the  safety  benefits  of  these  devices  and 
avoid  problems.  The  European  Conference  of  Ministers  of  Transport  (ECMT)  has 
positively supported such an approach. 

While  safety  must  be  paramount,  actions  should  not  create  unnecessary  obstacles  or 
constraints to the free development of future innovative products. 

A.  Research and Development 
HMI  issues  on  information  displays,  vehicle  control  and  multimedia  applications  for 
mobile users should receive continuous R&D  effort. 

B.  Technical Harmonisation 
=>  The Commission will convene a taskforce which will consider the elaboration of 
a Code of Practice on HMI for information  devices taking as a reference ECMT 
Statement  of  Principles  (in:  New  Information  Technologies  in  the  Road 
Transport  Sector,  p.  35-42,  ECMT  1995)  together  with  relevant  guidelines 
about the modalities for its application. 

=>  The European standardisation bodies will be asked  to continue work on ergonomics 

of in-vehicle systems and to extend it to vehicle control systems. 

=>  The Commission, along with the relevant actors, will examine how to progress: 

*  a code of practice on HMI for vehicle control devices. 
*  methods  for successfully  integrating  HMI when more than one in-vehicle device 

is involved; 

*  agreed methods for safety  evaluation. 

C  Co-ordination  of implementation 
=>  A proposal  from  the Task Force for a code of practice on information  devices will be 
submitted  by  the  Commission,  after  consultation  with  industry,  to  the  High  Level 
Groups on RTT and on Road  Safety. 

D. 
Financing 
Not foreseen  at present. 

E.  Legislation 
=> 

If after  an  initial  period  it is found  that the code of practice on  HMI  for  information 
devices  has  not  been  adhered  to  by  the  actors  involved,  the  Commission  will 
consider  making  a  proposal  either  to  adapt  the  directive  of  18 June  1992 

11  -

(92/53/EEC, OJ L225 of 10.08.92) on the approximation  of the laws of the'Member 
States  relating  to  the  type-approval  of  motor  vehicles  and  their  trailers  or  to 
introduce a supplementary directive, using CEN/ISO standards. 

3.5 

SYSTEM  ARCHITECTURE 

The  full  potential of RTT will only be realised  if the systems and applications  introduced 
can  achieve  an  appropriate  level  of  interoperability.  We  need  to  understand  the 
functionality  of the different  RTT applications  as well  as the structures  and interfaces  of 
the different  elements, organisations  and players in RTT provision  and support  them  with 
a system  architecture that will deliver  interoperability  in the longer term and priorities for 
standardisation.  This  architecture  should  be  "open"  to  allow  the  use  of  different 
technologies or designs within an overall framework  which should 

•  maximise the benefits of RTT system integration; 
• 
• 
• 

support a wide range of "added value" commercial RTT services; 
accommodate a broad compass of institutional requirements; 
allow for step-by-step integration with maximum benefit  from existing systems. 

Initial  results  from  the  Commission's  review  of  the  USA  National  ITS  (Intelligent 
Transport  Systems) Architecture  shows that  it will not be appropriate  simply to adopt the 
American  work. RTT in Europe has to serve many  different  needs  and requirements  that 
were not considered in depth in the USA, such as public transport and integrated payment. 

A.  Research  and Development 
=>  The  European  Commission  will  complete  a  review  of  European  and  American 
results on RTT architecture, drawing on the output from  results of European research 
on RTT systems  architecture  in the Third  and Fourth  Framework  programmes and 
TELTEN216. Further work should be carried out to integrate the existing results into 
an overall  architecture  and develop  the areas  considered  in this  first  phase  to be of 
higher priority. 

B.  Technical  Harmonisation 
=>  CEN is likely to be a key player. The Commission will discuss with CEN its precise 
contribution,  including  revision  of  the  workplan  of  its  appropriate  committees, 
taking 
international 
developments. 

into  account  R&D  on  system  architecture  and  other 

C.  Co-ordination  of implementation 
=>  The Commission  will  consult  the  relevant  actors  (national,  regional  and  local 
authorities,  standardisation  bodies,  automotive  manufacturers,  electronic 
industry,  telecommunications  operators,  RTT service  providers  and  operators, 
etc.)  in  order  to develop  an  approach  for  a  European  system  architecture  that 
stifling 
provides 
innovation. 

interoperability  without 

the  necessary 

framework 

for 

TI{I/rnN2  - Telematics  Implementation  on the Trans-lùiropcan  Road  Network. 

12 

D.  Financing 
=>  Will be considered at the appropriate time. 

E.  Legislation 
Not foreseen at present. 

4.  OTHER APPLICATIONS ON EU  AGENDA 

»• 

The  five  priority  applications  described  above  are  a  first  step  in  the  implementation 
process  of RTT  in Europe. The EU action plan needs to go wider.  Other possible  priority 
applications  are outlined  in this chapter. These proposals meet  the request  of the  Council 
to  the Commission  "to define  the other applications  to be developed  as a priority".17  The 
selection took into account the input of Member States, professional  organisations, results 
of R&D work and international experience. 

The  RTT  applications  described  below  form  an  open  list  which  will  be  revised  and 
updated  as  priorities  at  the  European  level  become  clearer.  These  other  priority 
applications are: 

Pre-trip and on-trip information  and guidance, 
Inter-urban and urban traffic  management, operation and control, 
Other urban transport telematics services, 
Collective transport, 
Advanced Vehicle Safety/Control systems, 
Commercial vehicle operations (logistic chains) 

The  preliminary  list  of  requirements  and  activities  presented  here  are based  on  a  first 
analysis made by the Commission on whether and what specific  actions are required. This 
analysis will  continue in order to determine priorities  and  further  specific  proposals. The 
HLG  and the Industry Forum  will be asked  to help in reaching  final  decisions. Ri&D will 
be  required  under  each  of  the  following  subheadings.  The  Commission  in  its 
proposal  on  the  5th  Framework  Programme  has  identified  general  R&D  needs. 
Further  details  of  the  required  R&D  actions  will  be  given  in  the  Commission's 
proposals  for the specific  programmes. Continuing R&D is also likely under  national 
initiatives. 

4.1 

PRE-TRIP AND  ON-TRIP  INFORMATION AND  GUIDANCE 

One of the  EU's  top priorities  is  the promotion  of  intermodal  transport 
. Pre-trip travel 
information  and  trip  planning  provides  the  basis  for  selecting  the  most  suitable  mode  of 
transport.  Dynamic  intermodal  travel  information  (trip  planning)  systems  may  become 

Council  Resolution  on 
11.10.95). 

the  deployment  of  telematics  in  the  road  transport  sector.(OJ  95/C  264/01  of* 

'*  TIÏN-T  Guidelines, OJ  I.22X  ol*<).<).(H>, and  (iicen  Paper  on  Citizens'  Network.  COM  (95/601 ). 

13 -

widely  available  across  the  EU  for  use  by  travel-agencies,  traffic  centres  and  Navigation 
systems. Actions are needed to ensure interoperability  and continuity  of messages  and 
protocols  between  modes  and  between  countries,  and  common  access  across  Europe. 
Travellers and commercial operators (e.g. freight  shippers) can then make an objective and 
personal  choice  out  of  all  transport  modalities  that  are  available  on  the  route.  Such  a 
system  would  have  a positive  benefit  on  traffic  safety,  the  environment  (shortest  route, 
modal  shift)  and  local  congestion.  Moreover  local  authorities  have  an  interest  in  pre-trip 
and  on-trip  information  and  guidance  as  a  means  of  changing  people's  behaviour  and 
influencing  their mobility choice e.g. to reach certain air quality standards. 

* 

Travel  information  services  also  have  the  potential  to  develop  a  strong  market  for 
commercially  driven  products  (such  as portable  information  devices)  and  services  for 
on-trip information  (e.g. navigation  and route guidance). A major  European interest will 
be the creation of a framework  to encourage investment by the private sector. 

Technical  Harmonisation 
• 

Standardisation  of  information  architecture  and  user-interfaces, 
harmonised and consistent location referencing  schemes. 

in  particular 

Coordination of Implementation 
• 

The Commission will prepare and  agree with relevant  actors  advisory  guidelines on 
purchase and selling of information between owners and service providers, including 
a code of practice of quality control procedures  and considerations regarding  impact 
on traffic  management and road  safety. 
Encourage  Public  Private  Partnerships  to  develop  (travel  and  traffic  information) 
services on a European,  national, regional and local scale. 

Study the business case for  a European-wide intermodal trip planning application. 
Examine  the  scope  for  innovative  funding  of  organisations  for  intermodal  travel-
information  services on national or Pan-European scale 
Consider initial financial  support through the TENs budgets. 

Analyse existing privacy and data protection  regulations  and  make further  provision 
if necessary. 
Member  States to publish  guidelines  setting out  the responsibilities,  obligations  and 
rights of the Information  Content Providers and Value Added Service Providers. 

• 

• 

• 

Financing 
• 
• 

Legislation 
• 

4.2 

INTER-URBAN  AND URBAN  TRAFFIC  MANAGEMENT,  OPERATION  AND CONTROL 

RTT  has  been  applied  to  Urban  and  Interurban  Traffic  Management,  Operation  and 
Control  for  many  years.  Transport  telematics  applications  provide  advanced  solutions  to 
achieve  a  more  homogeneous  traffic  flow,  increasing  road  safety  and  comfort.  Future 
evolution  will  lead  toward  greater  integration  of  the  services.  The  Commission 
objectives  have  been  outlined  in  the  TEN  Guidelines  for  Transport  and  in  the  Green 
Paper  "The  Citizens'  Network"  and  are  directed  towards  establishing  a  comparable 

-  14 

• 
• 

• 

Financing 
• 

level  of  quality  of  services  and  continuity  of  traffic  management  and  information 
services. 

4.2.1  Inter-urban Traffic  Management  Operation  and Control 

The objective  is to promote  - where  appropriate  - a  European  perspective,  for  instance 
to  ensure  a  minimum  quality,  continuity  and  co-ordination  of  traffic  management  and 
information  services across the trans-European Road Network. 

Technical Harmonisation 
•  The Commission will consider how best to establish common  usage of pictograms  for 
variable  message  signs,  including  the  promotion  of  a  code  of  pratice  on  pictograms 
already  developed  in  the  EC  Framework  Programmes,  and  what  modifications  are 
necessary to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals,  1968, as amended. 

Coordination of implementation 
• 

Develop 
additional  trans-European  multi-corridor  and  network  management 
projects  (wide-area  re-routing,  event  information,  weather  and  environment-related 
traffic  management and network control). 
Exploit  automatic incident detection and ramp metering at national/regional  level. 
Harmonise  the  means  for  travellers,  especially  drivers,  to  get  assistance  in  the 
different  Member  States  (to  overcome  language  problems).  In particular,  to  pursue 
the application by Member States of an EU emergency call number (No.  112) on the 
fixed  infrastructure  and mobile network as required by Council Decision 91/396  . 

telematics  systems 

Develop  innovatory  methods  for  financing  the  implementation  and  operation  of 
advanced 
including  a  financial  basis  for  public/private 
partnerships. 
Member  States  are  invited  to  provide  project  proposals  in  the  framework  of  the 
TENs, but  also to use other EC financial  instruments (e.g. Cohesion  Fund,  Regional 
Fund) wherever applicable. 

Legislation 
• 

Review legislation to identify  suitable models  for traffic  management  enforcement. 

4.2.2  Urban Traffic  Management. Operation  and Control 

The  objective 
is  to  develop  an  open  European  system  architecture  for  urban 
telematics  applications  (see  also  3.5)  and  create  guidelines  to  help  cities  with  the 
design and procurement  of systems and  services. 

Technical  Harmonisation 
• 

Define  the  necessary  interfaces  for  the  integration  of  urban  traffic  information  and 
control  systems with bus priority, other related demand  management measures and 

Council  Decision  of  29  July  1991  on  the  introduction  of  a  single  European  emergency  call  number 
(91/396/EEC).. 

-  15 

air  quality  monitoring  systems  in  order  to  provide  optimised  and  integrated  urban 
traffic  management systems. 
Define  specifications  for  the  interconnection  of  urban  and  inter-urban/regional 
management  and  control  centres to  facilitate  traffic  flow  in the urban  centres  (code 
of practice for data exchange). 
Support  the  development  of  inter-operable  access  control  systems  for  demand 
management in city centres. 

• 

• 

Coordination of Implementation 
Exchange best practice on: 
• 
• 

dynamic signal control; 
telematic  systems  for  vulnerable  road  users  (e.g.  detection  of  pedestrians  at  traffic 
signal installations); 
deployment  of improved  data collection  and handling  facilities  to  achieve  coverage 
of all 'important' roads; 
real-time  monitoring  of  network  conditions  at  a  'travel  and  traffic 
centre'. 

information 

• 

• 

*• 

Financing 

• 

TENs  projects  will  support  applications  in  this  area,  (e.g.  linkage  between  urban 
traffic  control and air quality monitoring). 

4.3  OTHER URBAN TRANSPORT TELEMATICS SERVICES 

In the domain of electronic  payment  and booking  a number of powerful  applications of 
RTT have been demonstrated and await full  exploitation. Many are gaining ground locally 
and regionally  within Europe but there are a number  of issues which require  a consensus 
between Member States before a strong European market can become established. 

Technical  harmonisation 
• 

• 

Agree  strategies  for  achieving  technical  compatibility  and  inter-operability  of 
payment systems for collective transport and parking in different  regions of Europe; 
Develop common communication platforms, such as GSM or Internet for pre-paying 
for information  and services (e.g. collective transport  information  and  fares,  parking 
information  and charges, hotel information  and booking). 

Coordination  of implementation 
• 

Measures 
arrangements. 

to  combat  fraud  and  payment  avoidance,  especially  cross-border 

4.4  COLLECTIVE  TRANSPORT 

Operators of collective transport  need specifications  for  cost-effective  RTT  applications. 
These  cover  fare  collection  systems,  vehicle  location  and  operational  support  systems 

16 

including  bus  priority/  security/  scheduling/  maintenance  and 
information  services  (i.e. public terminals, electronic  travel  guides). 

real-time  passenger 

Technical  Harmonisation 
• 

Promote  the  use  of  the  common  data  model  for  collective  transport  telematics 
components.  Support  the  work  of  the  corresponding  standardisation  working  group 
in  CEN. 
Secure the  availability  and  accessibility  of databases  (to enable trip planning). 
Promote the harmonisation  of interfaces  (HMI) for  information  terminals*. 

Coordination  of  implementation 
• 

Promote  the  interconnection  of  national  and  regional  databases  for  trip  planning 
using  electronic  dissemination  tools (i.e. Internet or GSM  for handhold  terminals). 
Promote  the  integration  of  traveller  information  services  with  other  value-added 
services  (i.e. reservations, tourist  information). 

• 
• 

• 

Financing 
• 

TENs projects  are expected  to work  in this  area. 

4.5  ADVANCED  VEHICLE SAFETY/CONTROL  SYSTEMS 

Advanced  vehicle  safety  and  control  systems  include  a  wide  range  of  systems  that  are 
designed  to  improve  safety  and  increase  driver  comfort  in  line  with  the  Common 
Transport  and  Industrial  Policies  of  the  Union.  They  support  drivers  in  their  driving 
tasks,  help  avoid  potentially  dangerous  driving  situations,  provide  assistance  to  drivers  in 
emergencies  and  in  adverse  driving  conditions  (i.e.  reduced  visibility),  and  in  general 
reduce  driving  workload.  Some  examples  of  first  generation  systems  are  intelligent  cruise 
control,  lane-keeping,  anti-collision,  vision  enhancement,  dynamic  speed  adaptation, 
driver monitoring,  vehicle  emergency  handling  and  anti-theft  devices.  Other  systems  being 
developed  will  provide  autonomous  vehicle  functions  linked  with  automated  highway 
concepts  such  as  autonomous  cruise  control,  stop  &  go  automation,  autonomous  lateral 
control,  electronic  tow-bar  and  platooning, providing  also  a better  use of the  infrastructure. 
Some of these  systems will be introduced  into the market within  the next  3 to 5 years. 

Technical  Harmonisation 
• 

Driver  assistance  services  in  case  of  emergencies  based  on  GPS/GSM  (automatic 
generation  of emergency  signal  with precise  localisation). 
Standardisation  of  on  vehicle  anti-theft  devices  is  needed  to  enable  their  use 
throughout  Europe. 
Standardisation  of on-board  diagnostic  systems  to enable  a timely  and  efficient  road 
side  assistance  response. 

• 

• 

Legislation 
Commission  will  consider  along  with  relevant  actors  establishing  a  minimum  set  of 
European-wide  rules  facilitating  the deployment  of these systems,  including: 

17 

development  of  a  framework/guidelines  for  experimental  assessment  including  the 
safety  requirements,  test  strategies  and  methodologies  for  the  assessment  of 
controllability; requirements for the access to live testing on the road network; 
guidelines for the manufacturers,  codes of practice or standards and certification/type 
approval procedures with European-wide mutual recognition; 
consumer protection  including  the possibility  of delimiting  responsibilities  between 
the driver, owner, system provider and  manufacturer. 

4.6  COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS (LOGISTIC CHAINS) 

Measures  include  electronic  tracking  and  tracing  of  goods  (particularly  important  for 
hazardous  goods)  and  combined  transport  (e.g.  road/rail).  Greater  use  of  electronic 
documents  and  record-keeping,  notably  the  electronic  tachograph,  smart  card  driver 
licence and a non-stop border process will support transport policy objectives,  particularly 
safety and  efficiency. 

Technical  Harmonisation 
• 

Develop  the  means  to  integrate  freight  management  systems  so  that  internal 
telematics applications within transport companies can be interconnected  to national 
and regional authorities. This  would enable hazardous goods notification  and border 
crossing services to be automated. 
Support  the  work  in  European  standardisation  bodies  on  an  open  architecture  for 
freight  and fleet  management. 

• 

Coordination of implementation 
• 

Develop  a  telematics  network  to  provide  assistance  in  case  of  an  accident  with 

20 

hazardous goods in accordance with the KEMLER  code of practice applying in the 
EU and "HAZCHEM" 2  code of practice as an exception for the United Kingdom. 

Financing 
• 

Consider  appropriate  funding  for  projects  which  cover  combined  transport,  in 
particular tracking and tracing. 

5. CONCLUSIONS 

Road  Transport  Telematics  deployment  in Europe  can  help  make  our roads  safer,  exploit 
them more efficiently  and at the same time reduce the negative effects  of road transport on 
the  environment.  It  will  also  ensure  that  European  industry  will  stay  competitive  on  the 
world market. All this to the benefit  of the European citizens and consumers. 

This Communication  sets out a strategy,  framework  and  initial  actions  for the deployment 
of  RTT  in  Europe.  Five  priority  domains  have  been  identified  viz  RDS/TMC-based 

20  Directive  94/55/EC 
21  HAZCHEM  -  HAZardous  and  CHEMieal  Goods 

-  18-

information  services,  electronic  fee  collection  (EFC),  traffic  data  exchange/information 
management, human/machine interface  and system  architecture. Urgent  actions need to be 
undertaken for each of them in particular: 

-  the  conclusion  of  "Memoranda  of  Understanding"  between  the  actors  involved  to 
provide  a  framework  for  the  deployment  of  RDS-TMC  and  data  exchange  on  the 
Trans-European  Road  Network.  If  such  MoU  are  not  achieved  by  October  1997 the 
Commission will consider putting forward proposals by the end of 1997; 
-  the  European  standardisation  bodies  will  be  asked  to  define  standards  for 
interoperability  of  EFC  systems  at  a  European  level;  the  Commission  and  Member 
States  will  develop  a  strategy  for  convergence  of  EFC  Systems  in  order  to  achieve 
interoperability  at a European  level, taking  into account  systems already  existing and 
the work in the European standardisation bodies; 
- the Commission will convene a Task Force to help it in drafting  a code of practice on 
HMI for in-vehicle information  devices; 
-  the  European  standardisation  bodies  will  be  asked  to  review  their  appropriate 
workplans and the Commission, together with relevant actors will develop a European 
RTT Systems Architecture. 

Other  priority  applications  are pre-trip  and  on-trip  information  and  guidance,  inter-urban 
and  urban  traffic  management,  operation  and  control,  other  urban  transport  telematics 
services,  collective  transport,  advanced  vehicle  safety/control  systems  and  commercial 
vehicle  operations.  The  analysis  of  these  other  priority  applications  with  the  help  of  the 
High  Level  Group  and  the  Industry  Forum  will  be  reinforced  to  determine  whether  and 
what specific  actions are required, their priorities and any necessary additions. 

Special  attention  will be given  to the  incorporation  of telematics  concepts  into  integrated 
transport  strategies  with  a  view  to  promoting  particular  policy  objectives  (transport, 
environment, etc.). 

The  Commission  will  bring  forward  detailed  proposals  in  the  period  1997  to  1999,  as 
indicated  in  this  communication,  to  assist  the  speedy  deployment  of  RTT.  It  will  also 
monitor  implementation  progress  and  report  annually.  In  addition,  the  Commission  will 
roll  forward  the present  list of actions  and put  forward  new proposals under the  headings 
of  R&D,  technical  harmonisation,  co-ordination  of  implementation,  financing  and 
legislation to take us into the new millennium and beyond. 

Taking  into  account  Council  Resolutions  on  RTT  of  1994,  1995  and  199722  the 
Commission  asks  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  to  endorse  this 
communication  as the framework  for action within the EU on RTT deployment. 

OJ 94/C  309/01, OJ 95/C 264/01,  EP (95) 212.659/fin,  Ecosoc CES  1160/95 and  Council  Resolution  of 
11.3.97 n° 6321/97 Trans 33 

19 

Table 2: Community Instruments available for Road Transport Telematics 

In accordance with the provisions of the Treaty, the Community may: 

Research and Development 
>  support  research  development  and  demonstration  activities  by  setting  up  a  multi-annual  framework 
programme. Such actions on RTD activities for the development of transport telematic tools and services are 
covered by the current Fourth  Framework  Programme and mentioned  in the Commission's  proposal  for the 
Fifth  Framework Programme (1998 - 2002). 

•  Title XV  Research and technological development (Article  130  f,h,i) of the EC Treaty applies'! 

Technical Harmonisation 
> 

implement any measures that may prove necessary to ensure the interoperability  across national frontiers  of 
telematic  applications  and  to  facilitate  the  functioning  of  the  Internal  Market:  this  includes  support  of  the 
standardisation  work  done by the European  Standardisation  Bodies  (CEN/CENELEC/ETSI), which,  where 
necessary, might be complemented by Community legislation and Memos of Understanding; 

•  Title  V  Common  rules  on  competition  , taxation  and  approximation  of  laws (Article  100a)  and Title  XII 

Trans-European networks (Article  129c) of the EC Treaty apply. 

Co-ordination 

r 

>  concert and co-ordinate national policies . Can also include co-operation with third countries; 
•  Title XII  Trans-European networks (Article  129c.2) of the Treaty applies. 

Financial Support 
>  support under the TEN-Transport  and TEN -Telecom budget lines projects  of common  interest  defined  in 
the  TENs  guidelines.  The  Community  may  also  contribute,  through  the  structural  instruments,  i.e.  the 
Cohesion  Fund  and  Regional  Policy budgets, to the  financing  of  specific  projects  in Member  States  in  the 
area of transport and telecommunications which contribute to regional objectives; 

•  Title  XII  Trans-European  networks  (Articles  129c)  of the EC Treaty  and  Title  XIV  Economic  and  Social 

Cohesion (Article  130a-e) of the Treaty apply. 

Legislation 
>  adopt legislation which will facilitate  the proper functioning  of the Internal Market through the development 

and use of Transport Telematics; 

>  adopt legislation establishing an Internal Market for Transport Telematics services, networks and equipment; 
•  Title  III  Free  movement  of persons, services and capital  (Articles  59-66) and Title  V (Article  100a) of the 

Treaty apply. 

>  adopt  legislation establishing  guidelines  for Trans-European  networks which highlight  the use of  telematics 

systems  in the various modes of transport24; 

•  Title XII Trans-European networks (Article  129c ) of the Treaty applies. 
>  include  in  the  regulatory  framework  for  the  development  of  the  Information  Society,  measures  for  the 

development of transport telematics applications and services; 

•  Title III Free movement of persons, services and capital (Article 59) of the Treaty applies. 
>  adopt legislation to improve transport  safety; 
•  Title IV Transport (Article 75c). 

Council regulation (IiC) N2236/95 of  18.09.95 laying down general rules for the granting of Community  financial 
aid in the field of'trans-f-uropean  networks, OJ n° 1.228/1  ol'23.09.95 
Decision  N°  1692/96 of 23.07.96 

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ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(97) 223 final 

DOCUMENTS 

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15  07 

Catalogue number  :  CB-CO-97-213-EN-C 

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