On 16 December 2008, the European Commission launched its Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Action Plan for deployment of ITS across the EU.  ITS includes systems such as a car's satellite navigation system, in car traffic information and real-time bus or tram stop updates.

The plan focuses on 6 priority areas for action:

1. Optimised use of road, traffic and travel data
2. Traffic Management on European Transport Corridors and in Conurbations
3. Road safety and security
4. Better integration of the vehicle into the transport system
5. Data security and protection and liability
6. European ITS co-operation and coordination
   

More information and the Action Plan are available at this address: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/its/road/action_plan_en.htm There is a useful FAQs document on the site.

EMEO and regional partners attended the Committee of the Regions’ Open Days events between 6 and 9 October in Brussels. Delegates from emda, the East Midlands Regional Assembly, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Accelerate Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd contributed to a range of seminars focusing on climate change and energy efficiency.

Cllr David Parsons, a permanent member of the Committee of the Regions, and Cllr Rory Palmer from Leicester City Council were nominated as speakers at the seminars. Nick Morris from Leicester City Council and Peter Goodwin from Accelerate Nottingham also spoke at this year’s seminars. The seminars were well attended by both public and private sector representatives from across the EU.

Partners also held meetings with East Midlands MEPs Roger Helmer, Chris Heaton-Harris and Glenis Willmott and attended a conglomerate reception organised by the Italian Emilia Romagna region.