In this paper major problems are highlighted that need to be solved on a European level while implementing new information systems dedicated to road transport in order to improve safety, efficiency and environmental compatibility of the overall transportation system. Five basic types of information systems have been identified by the DRIVE System Engineering and Consensus Formation project (SECFO) as being primed for implementation within the nineties from a technological point of view. In this paper these systems which form the basis of an "Early RTI Scenario" are described first. These are: RDS based information and navigation systems; GSM based data and voice communication by mobile telephone; intelligent cruise control; interactive route guidance and automatic debiting systems (for road tolls). Following this, a draft time schedule for a possible implementation is presented and related key requirements are being discussed. Subsequently the necessity for urgent actions to be taken by the traffic operators/authorities becomes evident, in order to provide the traffic information needed in time for effectively using the emerging communication capabilities. Particular attention is also given to key policy issues that will strongly affect implementation. The need for a co-ordinating body in charge of managing European issues in the implementation process is mentioned. Finally, the need for a traffic data interchange between Traffic Control Centres is addressed, which must be considered as a key to the success of the overall implementation.
Abstract