Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can significantly contribute to a cleaner, safer and more efficient transport system. A new legal framework (Directive 2010/40/EU) was adopted on 7 July 2010 to accelerate the deployment of these innovative transport technologies across Europe. This Directive is an important instrument for the coordinated implementation of ITS in Europe. It aims to establish interoperable and seamless ITS services while leaving Member States the freedom to decide which systems to invest in.
Under this Directive the European Commission adopted common European specifications (i.e. functional, technical, organisational or services provisions) to address the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of ITS solutions across the EU. The first priorities were traffic and travel information, the eCall emergency system and intelligent truck parking, followed by real-time traffic information and multimodal travel information.
A new Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/2661) amending the ITS Directive was adopted on 22 November 2023, with the aim to adapt to the emergence of new road mobility options, mobility apps and connected and automated mobility. The objective is to stimulate the faster deployment of new, intelligent services, by proposing that certain crucial road, travel and traffic data is made available in digital format, such as speed limits, traffic circulation plans or roadworks. It will also ensure that essential safety-related services are made available for drivers along the TEN-T network.
The initiative is supported by five co-operating Directorates-General: DG Mobility and Transport (lead), DG Communications Networks, Content & Technology, DG Research & Innovation, DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Climate Action.
Legislation
Revision of the ITS Directive
Ex-post evaluation of the ITS Directive 2010/40/EU
Staff Working Document: Evaluation Report
Staff Working Document: Executive Summary
Extension of the ITS Directive
ITS Directive
Complete overview of legal procedure (Legal Observatory of the European Parliament)
- Commission Decision of 4 May 2011 on setting up the European ITS Advisory Group (2011/C 135/03)
- Commission Decision of 22 March 2024 amending Commission Decision 2011/C 135/03 as regards its applicability, the tasks of the European ITS Advisory Group and the transparency of its operation
- Commission Implementing Decision of 13 July 2011 adopting guidelines for reporting by the Member States under Directive 2010/40/EU
Working programmes
Working Programme on the implementation of Directive 2010/40/EU (15 February 2011)
Update of the ITS working programme for the period 2022-2027
Delegated Acts under Directive 2010/40/EU
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 305/2013 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the harmonised provision for an interoperable EU-wide eCall
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 886/2013 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to data and procedures for the provision, where possible, of road safety-related minimum universal traffic information free of charge to users
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 885/2013 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of information services for safe and secure parking places for trucks and commercial vehicles
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 962/2015 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide real-time traffic information services
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1926 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide Multimodal Travel Information Services
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/490 of 29 November 2023 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1926 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide multimodal travel information services
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/670 of 2 February 2022 supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the provision of EU-wide real-time traffic information services
National Access Points
National Access Points – A mechanism for accessing, exchanging and reusing transport related data
Commission reports
Reports on the implementation of the ITS Directive and Action Plan
National reports
ITS Action Plan
Summary of the Impact Assessment
Council Conclusions on the ITS Action Plan [30 March 2009]
Implementation of the ITS Action Plan
Press room
Improved rights and better information for travellers
New transport proposals target greater efficiency and more sustainable travel
Vice-President Kallas welcomes Parliament's vote on 112 eCall
Vice-President Kallas welcomes deal on 112 eCall
eCall : automated emergency call for road accidents mandatory in cars from 2015
European Commission speeds up roll-out of information services for motorists
Commission helping to deploy 112 eCall for emergency services
Frequently asked questions [MEMO/08/789, 16/12/2008]
Publications
Intelligent transport systems in action: Action plan and legal framework for the deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in Europe (published 2011)