Newsletter - December 2018
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Good reading and we look forward to meeting you again soon!
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Good reading and we look forward to meeting you again soon!
IRF Data Warehouse presented at the 1st African Road Safety Forum
The 1st African Road Safety Forum hosted in Marrakech, Morocco on 13-15 November offered the setting to present the IRF’s new data platform developed thanks to the support of the Total Foundation and as a contribution to Regional Road Safety Observatories. With a keynote address in the opening, a booth and several sessions hosted, IRF marked its presence and contribution to this successful Forum.
Organised – under the patronage of his Majesty King Mohammed VI - by the Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water, the National Committee for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents (CNPAC) and the Transport Policy Program in Africa (SSATP), and the support of key organisations including IRF, this Continental Forum was particularly marked by the announcement of the creation of the African Observatory on Road Safety, of which the presidency has been entrusted to Morocco. With the Decade of Action in its final stages, Morocco has redoubled its efforts to ensure that road safety remains high on the agenda for the entire African Continent. Africa has 2% of the world’s cars but 16% of the world’s road deaths, and more than 300,000 people lose their lives in road traffic crashes in the region every year, while thousands more are injured. The Observatory will boost efforts aiming at creating robust data collection and management systems at the national level and the regional level.
During the opening ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Morocco and several African and European Ministers, IRF Director General Susanna Zammataro gave a compelling keynote address recalling that “There cannot be celebration till people continue to die on our roads at this pace. There cannot be celebration till we keep on seeing the future generations of our countries being killed on roads little by little every day. The young generations are not only the future of our countries and society. They are the key that will help us unlock the door of an effective and sustainable solution to the road safety problem. We as IRF are engaged on this front through the IRF young professionals, through the Youth for Safety and through projects like SafeRoads SafeKids here in Morocco or the wider SaferAfrica project. She also stressed the importance of data underlining that “data needs proper funding too. Sustained funding mechanisms have to be put in place to ensure the creation and management coherent data systems. Investing in capacity building for data is definitively a sensible road safety strategy both in the short and in the long term”.
IRF hosted a dedicated workshop to present the pilot of its new Global Road Data Warehouse. Made possible by the support of the Total Foundation, this platform includes not only the comprehensive datasets that the IRF compiles annually since 1964, but has also various data aggregation and visualisation tools (dashboards) that will greatly facilitate analysis. Speaking at the IRF workshop, Anne Valérie Troy from Total said “Road safety is a fundamental value for our Group. We also believe that the private sector has an important role to play and it’s our responsibility to be active to ensure the well-being of the communities in which we operate and overall the well-being of our society. It’s a collective responsibility and we want to make our part and contribute to the change. That’s why we are happy to support this project and to support the development of regional road safety observatories. We need greater coordination and greater collaboration. Strong and effective partnership are the only way forward.”
Data and capacity building were also central in another session jointly organised by the Global Alliance of Road Safety NGOs and IRF. Last but not least, the Forum also included a dedicated presentation on the EU-funded SaferAfrica Project (www.saferafrica.eu ) in which IRF is actively involved as member of the project consortium.
If you would like to learn more, please contact the IRF secretariat at info[@]irfnet.ch.
Intermodal transport and logistics: UN Working Party meets in Geneva
On the 19th-21st of November, the International Road Federation participated in the Economic Commission for Europe’s Working Party on Intermodal Transport and Logistics. In attendance was a wide range of diverse actors from around the globe, contributing to lively and informative discussions that will help to promote better and more efficient transport worldwide.
A main focus of the working party was a workshop held on the 20th of November. Focusing on operational challenges of regional intermodal transport and innovative solutions, this workshop centred on inter-modality logistics and main corridors between Europe, Russia Federation and China (South and East Asia). Major illuminated issues was the lack of efficient modes of transport between Western Europe and Asia. Presenters demonstrated successful solutions that they have implemented in their home regions, providing a wealth of knowledge for attendees to use in their own activities.
Other discussions during the working party centred on the necessity of universal application of the CTU (shipping container guidelines) and TIR (rules for transport systems). As we are nearing the end of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, CTU has become a hot topic of discussion. Adoption and implementation of the CTU ensures the safest standards for the movement of containers by various means of transport, promoting safety for both the transporters as well as those travelling near the shipping container. CTU guidelines also ensures the safety of the goods being transported, eliminating product depreciation from mishandling damage. The TIR promotes financial and time saving benefits, significantly decreases delivery time, and improved utilization of containers.
This year’s Working Party on intermodal Transport and Logistics was an important milestone for the trajectory of the road sector. With increasing emphasis on road safety while incorporating efficient, cost effective, and sustainable solutions, attendees were able to walk away with new skills and ideas to be implemented in their respective sectors.
If you would like to learn more, please contact the IRF secretariat at info[@]irfnet.ch.
IRF at the “International Conference on Road Safety and Mobility” in Abu Dhabi, UAE
IRF was delighted to join hands with the Emirati Traffic Safety Society (ETSS), the Arab Road Safety Organization (AROSO) and la Prévention Routière Internationale (PRI) for the traditional “International Conference on Road Safety and Mobility.” Focusing this year specifically on Pillar II of the Decade of Action the conference offered a great opportunity to exchange experiences from around the world.
Among the major themes adressed:
- Improving the level of traffic safety
- Traffic Engineering and traffic control elements and their role in improving the level of traffic safety
- Planning and design
- Laws, by-laws, instructions and regulations of road, transport, traffic ad traffic engineering
- Capacity building and transfer of knowledge in safe infrastructure and rehabilitation, preparation and training of workers in the field of road engineering, transport, traffic and planning cities
- Looking ahead for the development of traffic safety
Speaking at the opening ceremony, IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, said: “It seems surprising that a few steps away from the end of the Decade of Action we still need to strongly re-commit to road safety. It seems surprising - and sometimes discouraging - to think that despite efforts at all levels we are still far away from our targets. It seems surprising that so much change has already happened and yet for a great majority of the people in this world, road safety still remains a pressing and daily threat to their lives.” She then reminded “the need to re-commit to road safety now more than ever as it iis needed and as we know that it is indeed achievable”.
During a later session, the Director General also gave a presentation about “Mainstreaming Road Safety into existing systems and policies” presenting also the knowledge and tools being developed together with colleagues of Pillar 2 of UNRSC and being currently hosted on the gTKP knowledge centre (www.gtkp.com) but also the work currently being carried out within the World Bank led Sustainable Mobility for All (SuM4All).
For more information, please contact the IRF secretariat at info[@]irfnet.ch.
SuM4All launches engagement process on the GRA
Sustainable Mobility for All (SuM4All) of which IRF is an active member has now made available the draft Global Roadmap of Action Toward Sustainable Mobility (GRA) for comments from countries, private sector representatives and other interested stakeholders. The GRA is the first tool of its kind to provide tailored action plans, that are sensitive to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each country’s transport sector respectively. The engagement process will last three months.
Qatar wins prestigious Prince Michael Road Safety Award
On 12th December, the Secretary General of the National Traffic Safety Committee, Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah al-Malki, received the prestigious Prince Michael International Award for Traffic Safety at a ceremony in London.
“This award is a testimony to the high level of development in Qatar in terms of traffic safety and the reduction of traffic accidents,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior in Doha.
“In recent years, Qatar has been able to occupy a prestigious international position in the field of traffic safety and sustainable transportation, by working diligently on traffic safety management, and developing evidence-based solutions. It has also managed to build a solid relationship with the international community and the UN in particular to share and also learn from successful global experiences”.
“The Foundation of Prince Michael is the oldest institution in this field in England and the world. It was established 30 years ago to improve global traffic safety by honouring achievers. Prince Michael of Kent voice has not remained unlistened at the United Nations. It’s also thanks to his personal engagement that a number of important UN resolutions have been adopted on road safety and endorsed by a large number of States including Qatar”.
Chinese Delegation visits IRF in Geneva to discuss the future of mobility
China Highway and Transportation Society (CHTS) led a Delegation to IRF in Geneva to get insights on current developments in the sector and to meet key United Nations officials in charge of transport.
The delegation was composed of:
- Mr Li Zuomin, Director of Road Network Monitoring and Management Center of MOT, China
- Mr. Wang Wei, Director of ITS Department of China Transport Telecommunication & Information Center of MOT, China
- Mr Wang Lin, Director of Information Division of
China Transport Telecommunication & Information Center of MOT, China - Mr. Lv Quande, Vice President of Henan Road Transport Society
- Ms. Chen Hongmei, President of Jiangsu Jinxiao Co.,Ltd
- Ms Wang Jie, President of Jiangsu Dongjiao Transport Co.,Ltd
- Ms Nina Guan and Ms Ning Ning Wang from China Highway & Transportation Society
The Delegation was welcomed in IRF offices by IRF DG, Susanna Zammataro who gave a comprehensive view of current developments in the sector. Data, intelligent transport systems and road safety where the key topics discussed. IRF is a partner of the World Transport Conference (WTC) organised yearly in Beijing so the meeting was also an opportunity to exchange on the WTC 2019.
The delegation then met with Mr Li, Director of the Sustainable Transport Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Mr Li provided and overview of the work of UNECE and in particular current developments on the Transport Convention and on the newly established UN Road Safety Trust Fund of which UNECE hosts the Secretariat.
Governance and Infrastructure for Smart and Connected Mobility
In a world of smart, connected and autonomous mobility what is the role that infrastructure plays and will play and how can it keep pace with the technological developments happening in the motor vehicles industry and the way people move overall? In such a rapid changing environment, what is the right governance model public authorities should adopt?
To debate these issues, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and International Road Federation (IRF Geneva) joined hands for the IRF & UNECE ITS event, a flagship event which was hosted at the UN headquarters in Geneva on 4th December 2018. This high-level ITS event focussed on “Governance and Infrastructure for Smart and Connected Mobility” and was organised to kick-start a collaborative dialogue among key ITS stakeholders following recent technological developments in our sector.
The event provided a unique opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest developments in this fast-moving sector and for an exchange of experience and views between government officials and private sector representatives from all over the world. Participants came among others from Australia, China, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Greece, UK, Germany. With riveting and inspirational speakers from – among others -ASECAP, Roads Australia, Arup, MOT China, BMW, SWARCO, Evonik, BestMile along with an active involvement from the audience present, the discussions centred around the continuous need for collaboration and partnerships across sectors to maximise the benefits that can be derived from ITS. Attention was also brought to the augmented need to focus on cybersecurity to avoid averse outcomes. Further, the private sector was called upon to play an increasingly important role in shaping government execution and implementation of ITS with their recommendations. One clear point emerged from the discussion: the public and private sector must do more to consult and involve the communities that will be impacted by new developments to make sure that solutions really answer their needs. Solutions adopted should in the end substantially improve the quality of life everyone.
The concept of “Mobility as a business” as opposed to “Mobility as a Service” was also debated with some interesting points being brought to the table by the industry. Representatives from India and China gave an overview of current developments in their country and of priorities for the short, medium and long term.
IRF, in close collaboration with UNECE,will be working on developing enabling frameworks that will allow to properly address the new challenges our sector is facing.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the IRF Secretariat: info@irfnet.ch
Addressing the needs of Vulnerable Road Users
Vulnerable road users account for up to 70% of all road related fatalities and serious injuries. Yet infrastructure is often not designed and built to cater for their needs. The IRF and Qatar Traffic Transport and Traffic Safety Centre conducted a three-day international course in Doha to build capacity in this specific field.
“Safe Urban Street Design for Vulnerable Road Users” was attended by 15 senior engineers and provided an opportunity to learn how to design appropriate countermeasures for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable users. The course addressed as well how to develop educational campaigns to improve Vulnerable Users’ safety.
This was the first of a series of international and certified courses that IRF will be hosting in Doha in collaboration with the Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre of the University of Qatar. Three new courses will be offered in 2019: Road Safety Management, Road Safety Audits and Work Zone Safety.
For more information and registrations please contact the IRF Secretariat info[@]irfnet.ch
Low income countries account for only 3% of global road networks - A constraint for economic growth
The IRF World Road Statistics (WRS) includes up-to-date information on the road and transport sector for over 200 countries and covers nine important road topics, one of which is road networks. An analysis of the road network data reveals that low income countries account for just 3% of global road networks. With such a small percentage of road networks, low income countries have limited economic growth potential.
A reliable road network is vital to any country, and is especially important for low income countries, because a strong road network can lead to massive economic development benefits. Roads help economies grow by linking markets to one another and allowing businesses to transport their goods to other parts of the country or even the globe. Connecting people by reducing the distance between markets, services, people, and knowledge is what economic growth is all about and road networks can do just that.
Available data provided by the IRF WRS 2018 includes the total length of road networks (in km.) for each country. This total is broken down into smaller subsections that include:motorways, highways (main or national), secondary (or regional), and other roads. The IRF WRS also categorizes countries by geographic region and income group. The analysis of the road network data relating to a countries income group highlights a stark contrast in road network percentages:
- High income countries account for 43% of global road networks while low income countries account for only 3% of them.
The pie chart below shows the total road network distribution by income group for the latest year of available data.
The highest income group has the largest percentage of road networks followed by the upper middle income group, the lower middle income group and finally the low income group with the lowest percentage. The lack of funding and resources for new road networks combined with the absence of maintenance for roads that do exist in low income countries have led to infrastructure deficits and little economic growth. These deficits are partially responsible for preventing low income countries from moving into higher income groups.
It is also important to look at the road network distribution by geographic region because the geographic regions of the world that are underdeveloped are usually those of low incomes. The pie chart below shows the total road network distribution by geographic regions of the world.
The key statistic to take away from this chart is Sub-Saharan Africa's low percentage of road networks; it's just 6% in stark comparison to representing 17% of global land mass. Poor roads and infrastructure in this region make delivering goods and services a difficult task for businesses and individuals. According to available data, annual public spending on infrastructure was only 2 percent of GDP in 2009–15. Sub-Saharan Africa needs to invest billions of US dollars into its infrastructure. Until Sub-Saharan Africa is able to fund significantly higher road infrastructure construction and maintenance, the isolation caused by lack of well-developed and well-maintained road networks will continue to pose a key constraint to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The new IRF WRS 2018 encompass updated data of over 200 countries: Country Profile, Road Networks, Road Traffic, Multimodal Traffic Comparisons, Vehicles in Use, Road Accidents, Vehicles Industry (Production, Imports, Exports and First Registrations), Road Expenditures & Revenues, and Fuel Energy Prices.
If you are interested in more detailed information regarding key statistical indicators for the road and transport sector, whether for a specific country or worldwide, we invite you to find more information here or contact us directly by phone +41 22 306 0260 or email stats@irfnet.ch
