A TERN for the better
Date: 30/11/2006
Source: Thinking Highways, Autumn 2006
This article takes a look at the current Euro-Regional Projects (ERPs). In 1995 with traffic levels in
They have developed into unique programmes, with key shared characteristics:
o The projects cross national boundaries and are divided into geographical areas along transit corridors that have to deal with common problems;
o They prioritise actual deployment of infrastructure and services - the ERPs are not research projects and they directly target congestion and safety problems;
o Stakeholders such as public authorities, road operators and service providers are involved, thus guaranteeing that the budgets spent will have a strong impact on traffic conditions;
o The projects' mandatory co-funding mechanism ensures cost-effectiveness;
o The focus is on cross-border coordination and synchronized deployment among regions; and
o They take a long-term view of the large-scale problems which they address.
The projects have created a mechanism for discussion and the exchange of experience for all parties involved in the good management of road networks. The project partners are the road administrations and road operators of
The current programme has made significant progress in updating and improving understanding, operation and management of the TERN. International, cross-border and boundary and cross-jurisdictional cooperation has been established and promoted. Data collection and traffic monitoring procedures are now widely deployed, generating more information for exchange and dissemination.
The projects have established the organisational and operational regimes needed to build even better transportation for
o Facilitate improved tactical network management and control;
o Provide improved journey time reliability during peak periods;
o Utilise the network more efficiently during non-peak periods through improved journey planning;
o Establish improved traveller information services and wider dissemination of information.
These would provide:
o Enhanced safety on the network;
o More reliable journey times;
o Reduced congestion and lower CO emissions;
o Better informed travellers;
o Seamless cross border travel;
o European economic growth;
o Links to private sector investment.
Continued EC involvement, leadership and support are vital for the continuation of real deployment of pan-European cross border and cross-jurisdictional traveller services.
HA EU Watch will continue to monitor developments.
Key words: Environment, European Commission, Monitoring, Project, Safety, Traffic information, Traffic management
