In view of the revised Directive 2008/96/EC on Road Infrastructure Safety Management several new features require the Commission to seek the advice and expertise of the Member States and other relevant stakeholders. This includes, more particularly, the preparation of implementing and delegated acts as well as guidance under the Directive. In addition, expertise is required for the implementation of two specific actions set out in the Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety of the Commission’s third Mobility Package (May 2018).

In October 2019 the Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (‘DG MOVE’) has set up the group of experts on Road Infrastructure Safety (hereafter referred to as “EGRIS”) which is composed solely of Member States’ authorities and other public entities in its plenary and organizations in the broad sense of the word in both its sub-groups. The main tasks of EGRIS will be, in a first step, to assist the Commission in the preparation of relevant guidance as set out in the amended Directive 2008/96/EU as well as the development of an infrastructure-related key performance indicator (KPI) and a framework for Road Classification that better matches speed limits to road design. Later on, the expert group shall assist the Commission in the preparation of non-legislative acts under Directive 2008/96/EU.

In accordance with the terms of reference of EGRIS, DG MOVE may set up sub-groups to EGRIS for the purpose of examining specific questions on the basis of terms of reference defined by DG MOVE. Against this background, DG MOVE, besides the two existing sub-groups (SG-1 for road signs and road markings and, SG-2 for network-wide road safety assessment), has set up a new sub-group which is expected to start operating in the third quarter of 2021. The sub-groups overall mission shall be to prepare non-binding contributions and carry out preparatory work for assisting the Commission in the EGRIS- related tasks.

In particular, the new sub-group shall provide the Commission with advice and expertise in relation to the design of ‘forgiving roadsides’ and ‘self-explaining and self-enforcing roads’ in the initial audit of the design phase, as well as guidance on quality requirements regarding vulnerable road users, in accordance with Art 4(6) of Directive (EU) 2019/1935 amending Directive 2008/86/EC.

The sub-groups specific tasks shall be:

  • to provide DG MOVE with advice and expertise in relation to the design of ‘forgiving roadsides’ and ‘self-explaining and self-enforcing roads’ in the initial audit of the design phase, as well as guidance on quality requirements regarding vulnerable road users, in accordance with Art 4(6) of Directive (EU) 2019/1935 amending Directive 2008/86/EC;
  • to establish cooperation and coordination between the Commission and the Member States or stakeholders on questions relating to the implementation of Union legislation, programmes and policies in the field of forgiving roadsides’ and ‘self-explaining and self-enforcing roads’, as well as quality requirements for vulnerable users;
  • to assist DG MOVE in the early preparation of implementing acts and recommendations, before submission to the committee in accordance with Regulation (EU) N°182/2011;
  • to assist DG MOVE in the preparation of delegated acts;
  • to bring about an exchange of experience and good practice in the field of forgiving roadsides’ and ‘self-explaining and self-enforcing roads’, as well as quality requirements for vulnerable users.

The applications must be sent by 12 November 2021 at the latest.

The Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety was adopted by the European Commission and entails a comprehensive approach to ensure that the EU’s mobility policies reflect these political priorities. Following the Low-Emission Mobility Strategy, the Commission adopted two ‘Mobility Packages’ respectively in May and November 2017. These set out a positive agenda and included legislative proposals and initiatives delivering on the low-emission mobility strategy and ensuring a smooth transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all. The European Parliament and Council should ensure the rapid adoption of these proposals.

Learn more about the Open Call for Applications.

Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities.

Source: European Commission