First results of Transport Telematics call
A total of 35 proposals were received by the Commission in response to a call published in June 1993 in the context of Transport Telematics (DRIVE 2), Area 2 within the specific programme of research and technological development in telematic systems in areas of general interest, 1990-1994. The call (published in OJ No C 166 of 17.6.1993 invited proposals for the testing and validation of developments and results already emerging from ongoing transport telematics research (57 projects, mostly beginning in January 1992, are already operational under the programme). The principal objective of the June 1993 call was to enhance the integration, interconnection and validation of key projects. Technical evaluation of the proposals resulted in recommendations for two existing projects to be extended and for funding of a further eight new projects strongly associated with existing project work. Topics covered by the new or extended projects are: User response to demand management schemes; validation and evaluation of the SOCRATES scheme (a cellular radio system for traffic efficiency and safety); cooperation between projects on demand spreading; an in-car man-machine interface conceptual prototype; specific support on transport of hazardous goods, combined transport, and small and medium-sized enterprise(SME) freight operation; certification procedures for systems safety to include security and electromagnetic compatibility issues; and the assessment of the impact of telematics on the environment. It is hoped that contract negotiations, at present under way, will lead to a rapid continuation of the existing projects and permit the start of the new projects in early 1994.