The European Union (EU) continues to prioritise road safety to reduce the thousands of lives lost annually due to traffic accidents. Human error and speeding are identified as the main culprits, prompting the implementation of new technologies and a data-driven approach.
One significant advancement is Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), a system that automatically nudges that a vehicle doesn’t exceed the legal speed limit. This technology combines the inputs from digital maps with a camera-based system that recognizes traffic signs. The vehicle can then adjust its speed, accordingly, promoting safer driving. The EU-mandated ISA for all new vehicle models introduced after July 2022. As of 7 July, this system became mandatory for all new cars sold. From this date onward, every new car sold in the EU, even those models already on the market before the initial mandate, must be equipped with ISA. This does not apply to vehicles already registered and in circulation before this date.
The benefits of ISA extend beyond safety. By adhering to speed limits, drivers can avoid speeding fines and contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation landscape. Accurate map data is essential for ISA systems to identify and adhere to speed limits, especially in areas where restrictions are implicit rather than sign-posted.
The role of TN-ITS in ISA
TN-ITS is the reference exchange data standard for communicating (updates of) authoritative (and in future regulatory) road data attributes, issued by the road authority. As such, the authentic speed limit data, directly sourced from the regulatory authority is communicated to the digital map service provider with the obligation to use this data (as stated in the RTTI DR 2022670 Article 4 & 5) ensuring map data is fresh, accurate, trusted and reliable.
In 2022, TN-ITS ERTICO innovation platform, with the major digital map service providers as members, representing 98% of the world’s digital map business, collaborated on the Helmond (NL) ISA-FIT project, which developed a comprehensive ISA retrofit solution specifically for urban environments. The project assessed the quality, driver acceptance, and behavioural impact of the system in various scenarios tested within the city of Helmond. These efforts are a significant step towards being safer and more sustainable across Europe.
The innovation platform also deployed TN-ITS in 13 EU member states, with various levels of data and service availability. The NAPCORE EU project ensures further innovation, and deployment of TN-ITS, also by merging the TN-ITS with DATEX II road traffic data exchange standards.
The driver’s awareness of, and adherence to, the correct legal speed limit using TN-ITS-supported ISA is crucial for both road safety and the environment. This was recently confirmed by a meta-analysis conducted by the Technical University of Athens. The study examined the impact of traffic speed reduction in 30 EU cities, where speed limits were lowered from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. The findings showed significant improvements in road safety* and notable environmental benefits**.
Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/11/4382
- * 23%, 37%, and 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities, and injuries, respectively
- ** Emissions decreased on average by 18%, noise pollution levels by 2.5 dB, and fuel consumption by 7%, indicating enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Challenges in implementation
Despite the promising benefits of ISA, there are still some challenges to face. Camera-based systems have their imitations. Data-based digital map systems can be an excellent alternative and complement. A key issue is the regulatory aspect, accuracy and timeliness of speed limit data. ISA systems depend on up-to-date and precise map data, which is currently provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers on a best-effort basis. This can lead to outdated or incorrect information, reducing the system’s reliability. The conclusion is that today’s ISA systems provide information to the car and the driver, but do not yet impose the speed limit.
There is a need for fast uptake of speed limit data to ensure ISA works effectively. While the TN-ITS service helps exchange accurate road data to mapmakers, achieving real-time regulatory road authority-originated data integration and widespread use remains a significant hurdle. However, achieving real-time data integration and widespread adoption remains a hurdle. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to fully realise the safety and environmental benefits of ISA across Europe.
ISA systems can be overridden by the driver, making them useless. Well-working systems that do not confuse the driver are the key to preventing users get confused and irritated. The roadmap that the TN-ITS innovation platform developed will ensure a quality uptake of the ISA system, saving lives on the road.