This paper discusses the extensive European Community (EC) research programmes on road transport informatics (RTI) and intelligent vehicle highway information systems (IVHS) in a wider European context. The EC not only supports research, but can also set the rules for applications of RTS and IVHS in member countries. The Eureka Programme covers all of Western Europe, not only EC countries. All West European countries also participate in the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT). A leading programme in Eureka is PROMETHEUS, which investigates the following functions: (1) improved driver information; (2) active driver support; (3) cooperative driving; and (4) traffic management and fleet management. traffic management and fleet management. PROMETHEUS is also assessing the effects of introducing these functions. The EC's DRIVE programme has investigated the technical possibilities of RTI development and the most important of its human-machine interaction impacts; it has also contributed to European standardisation. The EC's DRIVE II programme has focused on: (1) standardisation of information and communication; (2) pilot or live field tests to establish RTI's public acceptance; (3) evaluation of the effects of RTI systems; and (4) assessment of safety of design.
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