On Thursday, 8 June, EU nations and MPs from the European Parliament came to an agreement on EU regulations managing digital traffic data. According to officials, this is an important step towards improving traffic flow, reducing accident rates, and ushering in a more connected driving experience.
Member states will be compelled to employ intelligent transport systems (ITS) along key highways in accordance with the preliminary agreement, which must be formally ratified by the European Parliament and Council before becoming legislation. ITS allows vehicles and infrastructure to communicate better.
The new regulations call for the digital sharing of data about speed limits, roadworks, and access to transport hubs.
In order to support ITS, which employs electronics, sensors, and satellites to collect data, hardware will be built alongside key routes. The new regulations call for the digital sharing of data about speed limits, roadworks, and access to transport hubs. By warning vehicles of traffic jams, controlling traffic signals, and immediately informing emergency services in the event of a crash, the data produced can improve the efficiency of roads.
The data gathered will be used to improve navigation apps, making it simpler to book trips that mix different means of transportation, and aid connected cars in communicating with one another in addition to updating digital road signs. By more effectively integrating AI-assisted vehicles with their surroundings, the regulation will also improve the bloc’s readiness for increased vehicle automation.
The agreement would increase the efficiency of transport systems and make roads safer, according to the report’s author, socialist lawmaker Rovana Plumb. Additionally, it makes certain that “authorities at all levels start preparing for the new digital environment.” The movement data gathered would be used to “improve our lives,” according to Izaskun Bilbao, the shadow rapporteur for the centrist Renew group. “Big data produced by the digitization of mobility “enables new services and promotes the best transport combinations with maximum efficiency,” according to the study,” she argued.
Intelligent transport systems are “vital” to resolving Europe’s traffic and pollution problems. Drivers, passengers, and businesses will all benefit from improved transport inside the EU.
The center-right EPP group, the largest group in the European Parliament, led by Jens Gieseke, commended the agreement for helping to “reduce traffic congestion and shorten travel times while improving safety on our roads”. After the agreement was struck, EU Commissioner for Transport Adina V?lean emphasized that intelligent transport systems are “vital” to resolving Europe’s traffic and pollution problems. Drivers, passengers, and businesses will all benefit from improved transport inside the EU,” she added.
The agreement, according to Andreas Carlson, the Swedish minister of infrastructure who was the member state’s representative in the discussions, will “boost our Union’s evolution towards a smarter, safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility.” Currently, Sweden is in charge of the EU Council’s rotating presidency.
