In search of single definition for primary European road network

The existing European networksA paper to start discussion

TD ManagementProject group "Planning the road network"21.02.2008 Lars Bergman

PG-planning, task M2 2

Purpose of this presentation

• Main points of a draft paper- The existing European networks -

produced by PG planning are introduced

• EB is asked views and how to continue– The paper was originally intended as a chapter to a more

comprehensive vision of future TEN-T roads ("TERN").– Another possibility is to raise a wider discussion of aims of a

"EURO-network" by presenting at first the existing situation.

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The essential point

• There are now three main "playgrounds"when European Trunk Roads are discussed

National Main Roads

Other National Roads

AGR1975

Is this scattered situation OK?

Or does CEDR feel that there should be a more common playground, where views of European RA:s are in higher degree taken on account?

(Concepts like TINA and TEM are "sub playgrounds")

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In the draft paper.. (1)

• Basic expressions of network purposes are referred

AGR1975

• E-roads have been established in need to facilitate and develop international road traffic in Europe.In order to strengthen relations between European countries it is essential to lay down a coordinated plan for the construction and development of roads adjusted to the requirements of future international traffic and the environment.

• The EU must aim to promote the development of Trans -European Networks as a key element for the creation of the Internal Market and the reinforcement of Economic and Social Cohesion. This development includes the interconnection and interoperability of

national networks as well as access to such networks.

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In the draft paper.. (2)

• The effects of E- and TEN- roads seem partly clear - and partly unclear or more psychological

AGR1975

Nature/purpose of E-road system:• Has its' influence mostly on maps and in road signing• Promotes tourism• Is visible to the road user• Provides advisory engineering standards• Has clearly documented procedure for amendments

Nature/purpose of TEN- road network:• Emphasises roads as part of whole TEN-T transport system• Concentrates to supporting some projects• Unclear procedure for changes is in network - no objective criteria• Is not visible to the road user• A tunnel directive is established - more directives to expect?

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In the draft paper.. (3)

• The networks have not been analysed in detail – In rough figures TEN roads in EU27+EEA are totally 90 000 km– Of those 20% are not E-roads– Beyond that there are 14 000 km E-roads outside TEN -roads in

mentioned countries (plus more in Russia and Asian countries)– Figures above come from a study made in 2004; to get updated

figures of lengths and overlapping means some work

• Independent from degree of overlapping, it is essential to note that the E- and TEN- networks are defined and administrated separately (UNECE/Geneve, EC/Brussels)

• A question rises:Why not one "EURO-network" could fill both E and TERN needs?

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Examples of E- and TEN- maps

E -roads in hearth of Europe

TEN MAP "EU 25" with Norway and Switzerland. in web a separate map for each country, even Romania and Bulgaria is available.

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PG planning to EB

Conclusions at this stage

• The project group feels that EB/GB should first discuss of aims on network level and if one "Euro network" would be the target.

• The project group asks if this kind of paper would be helpful for contacts with EC/DGTREN and UNECE.

• The project group is ready to develop the paper within it's resources. Updated data of e.g. road lengths needs, however, a lot of work. A functioning location reference system would help in data collection.

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Summary of this presentation

• The central mission of CEDR is to provide a platform for understanding and responding to common problems

• The existing situation with several "playgrounds" is unsatisfactory

• PG Planning feels that the "owners" of E- and TEN- concepts should be contacted diplomatically– PG's paper aims to start a discussion at first stage inside CEDR– EB/GB should consider how to open the discussion with DG-TREN and

UNECE (a more detailed proposal or a light discussion first?)

• Key questions– How essential is the visibility of a "EURO-network" through signing? – Why one "EURO-network" could not fill both E and TERN needs?– Is it relevant to give guidelines or principles only for some "EURO-

network", not to all (main) roads? Drivers use the whole network.

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Headlines of the final reportVision of a FERN

Executive summary

An executive summary of the document in two pages.

Introduction

An introduction and background to the report

Chapter 1, EU transport policy as a framework for a future European Road Network

This chapter will analyse the “White paper published in September 2001 – European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to decide”. A review of the White paper was conducted in summertime 2006. This review will also be taken in consideration within the strategy.

Chapter 2, Analysing the existing networks

This chapter studies the composition and purpose of the various European networks.

Chapter 3, Vision of a common European Network

This chapter covers the facts and arguments for one main European road network, based on a common definitions. The chapter will also discus and describe the possible obstacles for creating a global European network, such as political, technical, economic etc. The Palacio report concerning the enlargement of TERN will also be taken into considerations.

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Chapter 4, Performance Indicators

Describing the defined Performance Indicators and their definitions, data collection, use of the Performance Indicators etc.This has been described in the previous work with the Performance Indicators

Chapter 5, Monitoring of TERN

Describing the planning and follow-up procedures for TERN.Produce an annual report of the development of TERN, using the Referencing location system and the Performance Indicators.

Chapter 6, Referencing Locations system

Describing the method of a referencing Location system for the TERN. Used for data collection and to refer the data to the road network.

Headlines of the final reportVision of a FERN