ERF calls for more research into road transport
Speaking to CORDIS News, information officer for the European Union Road Federation (ERF) Richard Lax called for more research into road transport. In a recent report on the socio-economic benefits of roads to society, the ERF stated that road traffic could be improved by further usage of modern information and telecommunication technologies, the development of renewable energy resources in road transport and the decrease of energy consumption. 'ITS [intelligent transport systems] is the key to modern transport', Mr Lax told CORDIS News. This could be used to facilitate car pooling, parking pooling, car sharing and better coordination with public transport, he continued. Telematics can also be used to improve the organisation of traffic operations, optimise traffic flow control and thus contribute to the reduction of the amount of energy consumed by road transportation, making roads safer, according to the report. The development of renewable energy resources in road transport is an area which the ERF would like to see 'higher on the political agenda,' said Mr Lax. They would like to see more research, because more research is necessary, he added. The federation would like to see the European Commission meet its obligation, as outlined in the Treaty on European Union (TEU) of developing trans-European networks (TENs). In those areas which are outside of the Commission's jurisdiction, the ERF would like to see the institution recommending guidelines for best practice and minimum standards, Mr Lax told CORDIS News.