blurred fast moving traffic at work
EC has approved rules for deployment of cooperative intelligent transport systems. Credit: Etienne Valois.

The European Commission (EC) has approved new rules aimed at accelerating the deployment of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) on roads in the European Union (EU).

C-ITS technology is consistent with EU clean mobility targets and will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, as well as inform other motorists about hazards, road works and the timing of traffic lights.

According to the EU, the exercise will make road transport across Europe cleaner, safer and more efficient, while helping modernise the transport sector.

In addition, these rules will help the EU meet its commitment to climate neutrality targets and contribute its long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 (Vision Zero).

European mobility and transport commissioner Violeta Bulc said: “This decision gives vehicle manufacturers, road operators and others the long-awaited legal certainty needed to start large-scale deployment of C-ITS services across Europe, while remaining open to new technology and market developments.

“It will significantly contribute to us achieving our ambitions on road safety, and is an important stepping stone towards connected and automated mobility.”

“It will significantly contribute to us achieving our ambitions on road safety, and is an important stepping stone towards connected and automated mobility.”

Starting this year, vehicles, traffic signs and motorways will be fitted with technology so that they can share standardised messages with all traffic participants around them.

The new rules also prescribe the minimal legal requirements for interoperability, which will enable all equipped stations to exchange messages with any other station securely in an open network.

Rules governing the implementation of C-ITS have received approval from the European Commission. However, they will be debated by the European Parliament and the Council for two months before coming into force.

In May last year, the EC also recommended that cars, trucks and buses are equipped with new and advanced safety features, including emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance, as well as enhanced protection for pedestrians and cyclists.