Joint action to cut number of road fatalities

Creation date: 21 March 2006

On 2-3 March Bregenz, Austria, was the focus for road safety in Europe. Mr Hubert Gorbach, Transport Minister and President of the Council brought together the Transport Ministers of the EU Member States and Commissioner for Transport Mr Jacques Barrot.

The ministers used the opportunity to compare different measures and campaigns in road safety. They agreed on a joint campaign for which experts will now draw up proposals. First ideas suggest a pan-European information campaign with billboards along major highways and at service stations. Mr Gorbach noted: “It is important to set joint road safety priorities in an age of increasing mobility. Our overriding objective is to cut the number of deaths on the roads by half throughout Europe”.

Mr Gorbach and Commissioner Barrot at the Informal Meeting of Transport Ministers

Commissioner Jacques Barrot stressed that there were three important approaches to road safety as far as the Commission is concerned: safe behaviour by traffic participants, safe roads and safe vehicles. He also mentioned that the Commission is considering introducing a road safety day.

For more information, visit the EU Presidency website.