General News: Network of National ITS Associations meeting

Date: 03 November 2008

The ERTICO – ITS Europe hosted Network of National ITS Associations met in Thessaloniki, Greece for a two day meeting on 9-10 October.  During the morning of the first day, members of the Network along with members of ITS Hellas learnt about some of the many issues relating to ITS in Greece, whilst workshops in the afternoon enabled participants to explore specific topics in depth. 

The workshops focused on the European ITS Action Plan and Road Charging Interoperability.  Regarding the European ITS Action Plan, priority issues in the context of the proposed actions were discussed with participants looking at what the most important areas were for them and how they wished to see them dealt with.  Within the workshop on Road Charging Interoperability discussions focused on the main challenges within specific countries as well as potential solutions to those challenges.  Both workshops provoked lively and valuable discussions. The day rounded off with a gala dinner hosted by ITS Hellas at a most spectacular venue overlooking the lights of Thessaloniki where Network members were able to relax over a fabulous meal and stimulating conversation.

The Network meeting on the second day saw two new associations, ITS Polska and ITS Turkey give interesting and informative presentations about their organisations.  They were consequently welcomed as new members, bringing the Network to a total of 30 members.  In addition, Jennie Martin from ITS UK was chosen as Vice Chair and a new Coordination Committee was elected to coordinate Network activities.  The meeting was very positive with both, Nico Anten, Chair of Network and Hermann Meyer, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe expressing the wish for closer cooperation in achieving their common goals.

The next meeting will be hosted by ITS South Africa in March 2009.