21 November event stresses intelligent mobility through intelligent information sharing throughout Europe.

Brussels,Belgium – Intelligent Transport Systems and Services can provide social benefits while providing new business opportunities: This was the main message of an ERTICO – ITS Europe co-hosted dinner debate, “Sustainable mobility of people and goods in Europe – the contribution of ITS”, held at the European Parliament, 21 November 2007. It was attended by 140 invited guests, including MEPs, representatives of the European Commission and its delegations and the Council, representatives from Member State Permanent Representations in Brussels, over 30 ERTICO Partners and other high-level stakeholders from the industry. The event was co-hosted by MEP Etelka Barsi–Pataky, MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, MEP David Hammerstein, MEP Malcolm Harbour, MEP Dieter-Lebrecht Koch and MEP Anders Wijkman.

The evening was opened by the hosting MEP David Hammerstein, who provided welcome remarks stressing the important contribution of IT and communication technology in addressing the challenges associated with mobility.

ERTICO Chairman Monica Sundström provided a brief background on ERTICO’s role as an organiser of the relevant ITS stakeholders to better facilitate a more coherent European approach to mobility.

Next to speak was European Commission DG TREN Director Fotis Karamitsos, who offered an overview of the role of ITS in supporting the EU’s major transport and energy policy drivers.

Mr Karamitsos confirmed that the application of ITS could make mobility safer, cleaner and more efficient.

ERTICO Partner Tele Atlas CEO Alain De Taeye gave the keynote presentation, which discussed business opportunities around traveller information and digital maps. Mr De Taeye stressed the need for public and private cooperation to deliver efficient, complete and timely information to the end user. He highlighted that consumers want more information, less errors and constantly updated information, adding that “in the new era of digital mapping, community input is important”.

The evening ended with a lively discussion session moderated by ERTICO CEO Arnold van Zyl. At this time others, including MEP Malcolm Harbour and MEP Satu Hassi expressed their views. There was a general consensus that progressive public sector investment in ITS infrastructure would result in a platform for the deployment of a broad range of location based services. Discussions over drinks, at the tables and afterwards remained intense as the evening held great promise for networking.

The event was the second such evening organised by ERTICO in the European Parliament. The first was a networking event held in November 2006 which introduced key decision-makers to ITS and ERTICO’s activities. It plans to hold a follow-up evening in 2008.

For more information regarding the event, please contact ERTICO Communications Associate Ben Reichert, info@mail.ertico.com

About ERTICO – ITS Europe:

ERTICO – ITS Europe represents the interests and expertise of around 100 Partners involved in providing Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS). It facilitates the safe, secure, clean, efficient and comfortable mobility of people and goods in Europe through the widespread deployment of ITS.

Specifically, ERTICO – ITS Europe:

• provides a platform for its Partners to define ITS development & deployment needs
• acquires and manages publicly funded ITS development & deployment activities on behalf of its Partners
• formulates and communicates the necessary European framework conditions for the deployment of ITS
• enhances the awareness of ITS benefits amongst decision makers and opinion leaders