EU mobility sector signs zero traffic fatalities by 2050 pledge

Organisations in the EU mobility sector have signed a road safety pledge to contribute to achieving zero traffic fatalities by 2050.

The coalition includes the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), the association of national motoring organisations (FIA Region I), with strong support from the Dutch Bicycle and Automotive Industry Association (RAI Vereniging) and the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB).

The pledge was signed in the presence of the European commissioner for transport, Violeta Bulc, and was officially handed over to her.

ACEA’s secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: “By signing up to this common road safety vision, we commit to work together with other relevant stakeholders on an integrated approach to road safety.

“We believe that this is the only way to ensure that safe vehicles are driven by safe drivers on safe roads.”

CLEPA’s secretary of state Sigrid de Vries said: “On behalf of CLEPA, I am happy to confirm our commitment to contribute to road safety and to make zero casualties a reality.

"This is the start of work amongst stakeholders in the industry and exchange with policy makers and I am looking forward to defining and achieving further milestones.”

FIA’s region I director general Laurianne Krid said: “As organisations involved in the daily mobility of EU citizens, we take road safety very seriously.

"With this pledge, we show our commitment to go beyond the status quo and work hand-in-hand with the EU institutions to achieve an ambitious and shared road safety vision in pursuit of zero traffic fatalities by 2050.”

Possible measures include targeted awareness campaigns, research efforts aiming to bring technologies to the market and informing drivers on the effective use of vehicle safety technologies. Improvements to road infrastructure, accident reporting and post-crash interventions are also covered.

The signing ceremony took place in the Hague at an event organised by RAI Vereniging on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.