On Tuesday, MEPs approved a new law that asks more traffic data, such as speed limit or traffic restrictions, to be available in digital format.
The new rules on intelligent road transport systems, already agreed with Council last April, seek to promote digitalisation in the transport sector and ensure wider data sharing between mobility apps in order to make mobility safer, more efficient and sustainable.
More road safety data online
MEPs managed to include more crucial road and traffic data for online sharing. In addition to speed limits, road closures or roadworks, data on one-way streets in cities, traffic weight, length, width and height restrictions as well as conditions for circulation in regulated traffic zones will be included in a national database to be shared between EU countries, businesses and consumers.
Depending on the type of data, the deadline to make new information available digitally ranges from between the end of 2025 and the end of 2028. However, in the interest of road safety MEPs encouraged the EU governments to make data on speed limits and safe and secure parking for truck available online as soon as possible.
Basic principles
The deployment of ITS services will have to be technologically neutral, to foster interoperability, not discriminate against vulnerable road users and to ensure transparency of ranking, including on environmental effects, when proposing mobility options to the customers.
In order to have smooth transport across borders, EU member states will have to ensure better cooperation when deploying ITS services, in particular on cross border projects, the deal says.
Quote
EP rapporteur Rovana Plumb (S&D, RO) said during the debate on Monday:
“In not distant future, we can imagine that highly automated vehicles will share public space with various drones, but also vehicles with low automation levels. In such a world, traffic will be a challenge. These vehicles will need to be aware of each other’s position, direction and speed. They will need to trust each other in order to avoid literally bumping into each other. This requires direct communication between different actors instantly and at any time.”
“This directive will contribute to citizens’ safety on more secure roads, to significant improvements in performance of transport networks, operations and services, whilst fostering connectivity and facilitating cooperation”, she added.
Next steps
The new rules on intelligent road transport systems were adopted by 585 votes to six and 26 abstentions. Once Council has approved these rules member states will have two years to prepare for their application.
Source – EU Parliament