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European Union Road Federation

ERF

The ERF: • Defends the interests of the European road infrastructure community towards the EU Institutions and other stakeholders • Represents a cross-section of industry partners, road and users associations active in the construction, equipment, maintenance and operation of Europe's road network • Initiates and supports studies and publications aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of roads for all citizens • Contributes to European research initiatives with a view to enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the road transport system • Gives the road infrastructure community a consistent and united voice in all road transport areas by promoting and coordinating Programmes & Working Groups on the following issues: o Socio-economic contribution of roads to society o Sustainable road infrastructure o Intelligent roads & financing o Safer road engineering o Urban mobility

Lobbying Activity

Response to Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

29 Jul 2020

BACKGROUND The ERF´s vision for the future EU transport is based on the integration of all modes with road infrastructure playing a central role within an integrated framework and providing further support in areas not reachable by other modes (remote territories and last mile). Our sector is highly committed to achieve ambitious sustainable goals not only in the reduction of GHG emissions but also in optimisation of energy consumption, use of natural resources, adaptation to climate change or protection of critical infrastructure against human or natural disasters. Any future policy action should strike a balance between economic growth, job creation, social welfare and sustainable goals making the road infrastructure an active part of any future economic recovery plan. In addition, appearance of unprecedented crisis (covid-19 in 2020, Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in 2010) proves the resilience of the road infrastructure able to ensure correct functioning of the internal market (movement of people and goods) even under any critical scenario. SUSTAINABLE and SMART MOBILITY The ERF acknowledges mobility by road makes a considerable contribution to the GHG emissions in transport. The revision of the AFI Directive comes as the first action to boost the market uptake of lower and zero-emissions vehicles and to accelerate the development of an efficient and affordable charging network. Challenges to overcome are commitment from MS to full deployment (coordinated plans, elimination of technical barriers, information to users, etc), focus on freight transport and involvement of urban areas (promoting green vehicles for public fleets, company cars, sharing mobility, etc). Regarding cities, immediate actions are also needed to adapt existing infrastructures for walking and cycling through protected and dedicated spaces with safety barriers, signs, and markings. It is also essential in terms of transport security. Stricter rules should be adopted in this respect specially for e-scooters, to ensure a peaceful coexistence between the different users. The future EU strategy should include actions to promote the connected and autonomous mobility. Correct transposition and deployment of measures included in the RISM Directive and Safety Regulation regarding physical infrastructure will help develop a more efficient and safer road network while boosting EU industrial competitiveness and leadership at global level. Development, promotion, and inclusion of digital elements (AI, 5G, data management, etc) and other innovative products (drones) will also help modernise the sector with full alignment with the latest disruptive technological trends. Active support to R&I joint partnerships with industry will contribute to combine business vision with policy guidance (CCAM, 2Zero). Lastly, successful implementation for all these developments promoted by the EU and carried out by the industry requires entire support of National, Regional and Urban Transport Authorities. In this sense, modern public procurement processes should escape from the cheapest initial price principle that stands as a formidable barrier to the uptake of smart and sustainable solutions that are both greener and more durable. CONCLUSION Only by achieving a fair balance between all these elements without any discrimination, the future Strategy will reach the main goal to promote a sustainable, smart, safe, affordable, accessible and inclusive mobility for the EU while enhancing the integration of all transport modes. With respect to the road infrastructure, future Commission´s work should also consider maintenance of the network as strategic horizontal element with huge potential and return to reach all these policy goals. Concretely, a main recommendation from the ERF is the inclusion and monitoring of indicators related to maintenance in future policy actions related to roads that will act as drivers to improve current transport systems (TEN-T). https://erf.be/
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