eCall implementation prioritised in 4th Verona Ministerial Conference

Creation date: 5 November 2006

Main conclusions of the 4th Verona Ministerial Conference held on 4 November 2006 are in the field of innovation in road safety, including new technologies.

The Conference concludes that the take-up and penetration of new and effective concepts and technologies for road safety is too slow today. New incentives and measures have to be developed and implemented.

It also agrees that awareness of available effective road safety solutions and their entry to the markets should be improved in order to encourage the development of cooperation towards advanced cooperative safety systems, such as the Pan-European emergency service and systems that could support drivers’ performance and eliminate harmful driving. In this context use of the alcolocks could also be considered.

The Conference consider that new innovations are necessary for the development of road safety in Europe especially beyond 2010. It is of major importance to foster the cooperation between the Member States, the Commission, private industry and civil society and to make use of available mechanisms, e.g. the 7th Framework Programme for new innovations. Innovations can offer totally new concepts and services, and also enhance the available practices. Major new “co-operative” systems (driver-vehicle-infrastructure) may be available in the future.

The Ministers of Transport assert that the deployment of the main new road safety applications for supporting drivers in stabilising the vehicle, keeping the appropriate speed and assisting braking in dangerous situations should be promoted.