SpeedAlert concludes activities in Graz

Date: 06 July 2005

The EC-supported, ERTICO-coordinated SpeedAlert project held its final meeting 27 June in Graz, Austria, hosted by project partner EFKON. The meeting’s main subject of discussion was the consolidation of final project results demonstrating the viability of the defined speed alert concepts in terms of technology and market maturity.

SpeedAlert is seeking to harmonise the definition of in-vehicle speed limit information and warning systems and present recommendations for issues to pave the way for a pan-European deployment of speed alert applications. The project, which started in May 2004, has been driven by results from national activities and its success has relied on the ability to mobilise the various stakeholders and arrive at a consensus to enable large-scale deployment. One important element to this effect has been the project’s Consultation Group - which includes representatives from all key stakeholders - that has met at dedicated workshops consolidating the project results. It has become clear that speed alert applications can become a reality relatively soon, as different critical elements are coming into place that enable these applications for the market:

• In-vehicle speed limit information and warning systems are being regarded as real contributors to road safety and mobility
• Availability of speed limit data is being resolved in some countries through speed limit databases. More work needs to be done before this will hold true throughout Europe, but it is a step in the right direction and will motivate other countries to eventually follow.
• Through the different national trials, it has been proven that users are in favour of the applications as they provide driver support and prevent involuntary speeding and possible fines. 
• Some public authorities are starting to implement speed alert applications in their fleets as well as are promoting them to other users at a discounted rate to support deployment. In addition, some initial commercial map-based applications are being introduced.

Final report in July

These positive steps manifest the interest and deployment potential for speed alert applications, but more work still needs to be done both at the European and national levels to support a broad market take-up. SpeedAlert’s final report, to be published later in July, will present technical issues, general business aspects, and public benefits. It will also include recommendations for future work to support deployment, starting with the first generation of autonomous systems, to second and third generations of more integrated systems communicating with road infrastructure.

Although the SpeedAlert project officially concluded at the end of June 2005, a SpeedAlert Forum will be organised to formulate and drive the necessary work to create consensus, commitment and enable successful speed alert deployment throughout Europe. More information on this initiative will be available later this summer.

For more information, please contact ERTICO Project and Development Manager Vincent Blervaque or visit the SpeedAlert website