The European Commission today took a major step towards the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in road transport. ITS can significantly contribute to a cleaner, safer and more efficient transport system. The action plan adopted today suggests a set of concrete measures and a Directive laying down the framework for their implementation.
"Making transport greener, reducing congestion and saving lifes on Europe's roads are high priorities for the Commission. Intelligent Transport Systems will help us make progress towards achieving these goals. Today's initiative will therefore foster a more efficient, safer and more sustainable mobility in Europe", said Antonio Tajani, Commission Vice-President responsible for transport.
"The Intelligent Transport System Action Plan proposed by the Commission today will provide much needed policy instruments to complement the work that the Intelligent Car initiative and the eSafety forum have been doing to make cars safer, cleaner and smarter," said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media. "We are determined to drive Europe towards cleaner, safer and less congested road transport, and the early roll-out of life saving breakthroughs like ESC and eCall."
Intelligent Transport Systems apply information and communication technologies to various modes of transport, which can make European road users safer and less likely to get stuck in traffic, which in the long run can reduce their carbon footprint. The action plan, launched today as part of the Greening Transport  initiative, aims to accelerate the deployment of these systems in road transport, and their interfaces with other modes of transport.
Intelligent Transport Systems can substantially reduce road sector CO2 emissions. The costs of traffic congestion � estimated at 1% of the European GDP � could be reduced by up to 10% through the deployment of ITS, and could prevent more than 5000 deaths in road accidents.
For more information, please see: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/its/

Source: European Commission