EU Moves to Greener, Safer, Smarter Road Transport System
May 28, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The Transport Research Arena 2008 Conference and Expo began on April 21, bringing together over 1,000 senior executives from the European Union (EU) road transport industries, national and EU administrations, infrastructures operators, public and private R&D organisations and users' associations.
The four-day event showcases the latest policy developments and technology breakthroughs that contribute to making road transport safer, more user friendly and more environmentally responsible, while strengthening EU industries' leadership in that key economic sector.
Jointly organised by the EC, the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council and the Confederation of European Directors of Roads, the Transport Research Arena 2008 provides a unique platform for all partners to drive forth cooperation, focus strategic agendas and better coordinate research activities, programmes and policies across Europe.
Among key issues addressed at this year's conference are urban mobility, new engines and power trains, alternative fuels, hydrogen technologies, future vehicle concepts, "smart" cars, intelligent logistics, active and passive safety, improving infrastructures in new member states, noise abatement, emissions reductions and a low-carbon transport economy.
Stressing the need for coherent strategies and strengthened cooperation among all concerned parties, Janez Potočnik, European Commission (EC) commissioner for science and research, said in the conference's opening remarks, "Europe's goals for smarter, safer, greener and more competitive road transport are among the most ambitious in the world. To succeed, we need a systemic approach, linking vehicles, infrastructures and users, and a resolute joint commitment from all concerned stakeholders."
"I believe this system approach is best undertaken through collaborative research across national borders and a coherent implementation of policies and resources. We will succeed only if investment and coordination go hand by hand. This is the road towards a real integrated transport system - a system we will be proud of," he added.
Road transport industries represent a major source of economic revenue, employment and technological development in Europe. Efficient road transport systems are also crucial to ensure the competitiveness of many sectors of the European economy, strengthen the internal market and answer EU citizens' increased needs for mobility.
At the same time, innovative transport solutions must respond to climate change and air pollution concerns, rein in energy consumption, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, alleviate road congestion and cut traffic fatalities.
To respond to these challenges, both private and public sectors are joining forces and increasing investments in research. The automotive industry already spends more on R&D than any other European industrial sector. In addition, the EC allocates over €4 billion to road transport research in the EU's Seventh Framework Research Programme (FP7).
Looking to the future, the Transport Research Arena aims to stimulate interest in transport research by spotlighting the most exciting scientific promises. The 2008 Young European Arena of Research (YEAR) awards, an FP7 project coordinated by University College Dublin, recognize outstanding R&D projects submitted by engineering graduates from across Europe.
For more information, see the EC web site on Transport, the Transport Research Arena conference web site and the YEAR 2008 web site.
Source: European Commission.