Hi-Drive Concludes with Events Showcasing Europe’s Automated Driving Future
Brussels, Belgium | 25 November 2025 - After nearly five years of research and large-scale testing, the European flagship project Hi-Drive has reached its conclusion. In the lead-up to its Final Event in Brussels, IRF and the Hi-Drive consortium hosted a closing webinar exploring the technologies enabling safer and more reliable automated driving across Europe.
Advancing Technology Enablers for Higher Automation
Held on 15 October, the webinar “Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation and Operations” brought together experts to discuss how key technologies such as V2X communication, high-precision positioning, machine learning and cybersecurity. It was shared how these kinds of technology are helping extend and harmonise Operational Design Domains (ODDs).
Speakers from ICCS and Stellantis-CRF shared insights from more than 120 experiments carried out across Europe, covering controlled environments and public roads with real traffic and weather conditions. These tests provided valuable data on how Automated Driving Functions (ADFs) perform in complex situations including low visibility, mixed traffic and cross-border travel.
This final knowledge exchange set the stage for Hi-Drive’s full results showcased in Brussels.
Celebrating Europe’s Flagship Automated Driving Project
On 25 November, the Hi-Drive Final Event at AutoWorld Brussels gathered experts, industry leaders and partners to celebrate the outcomes of this €60 million Horizon 2020 project. The event featured 29 exhibits, including 16 prototype vehicles and 5 simulators.
It demonstrations of next-generation automated driving technologies and featured panel discussions highlighting achievements across vehicles, enablers, operations, impact assessment and user studies
Testing during the project included over 6,000 test runs, 37 prototype vehicles, 38 use cases and 1,800 participants, covering motorways, urban and rural roads, parking environments and diverse weather conditions.
Human-Centric Automated Mobility
A central component of Hi-Drive’s work was understanding how people engage with automated vehicles. Through global studies involving 20,000 participants, the project examined user acceptance, comfort, safety perception and interaction with both in-vehicle and external human–machine interfaces (HMIs). Innovative methods such as VR-based comfort studies and advanced driver monitoring helped shape a more inclusive approach to automation.
The closing webinar and Final Event together showcased how Hi-Drive has transformed research into practical innovation. Hi-Drive leaves behind a robust legacy for future automated mobility across Europe, having strengthened technical foundations, validated operations and presented deep insights into user needs.
IRF Board of Directors Confirms Appointment of Gonzalo Alcaraz as Director General
The International Road Federation (IRF) is pleased to announce that Mr Gonzalo Alcaraz has been formally appointed as Director General by the IRF Board of Directors on 25 November 2025, following the conclusion of the leadership transition initiated earlier this year.
DG Alcaraz, who has been serving as Acting Director General since 1 May 2025, now officially assumes the organisation’s highest executive role. His appointment marks an important milestone for the IRF as it continues to advance its mission of promoting safe, green, and inclusive mobility worldwide.
DG Alcaraz joined the IRF Headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in strengthening IRF’s programmatic reach, institutional partnerships, and international visibility. As Deputy Director General, he helped lead major initiatives in knowledge-sharing, advocacy and capacity building, while deepening IRF’s engagement with governments, multilateral organisations, academia and the private sector.
His appointment comes at a time when mobility systems worldwide are undergoing profound transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the sector.
"I am honored to assume the role of Director General of the International Road Federation. This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I look forward to working closely with our members and partners to advance IRF’s mission. Together, we will continue to champion innovation, foster global cooperation, and build transport systems that are safe, efficient, and resilient for generations to come."
The IRF will continue to work closely with its members, partners, and stakeholders to shape the future of mobility and deliver solutions that benefit communities around the world.
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About International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF)
Ms Mao Macatangay
Communications Manager
mmacatangay@irfofficial.org | +41 22 306 0260
www.irfofficial.org
IRF Concludes Second Registry Auditor Certification Programme in Bandra, Mumbai
Bandra, Mumbai | 27 October to 7 November 2025 — The Closing Ceremony of the second batch of accredited auditors under the International Road Federation’s (IRF) International Registry for Road Safety Auditors concluded last 7 November.
The training session, made possible with the support of TotalEnergies Foundation, was held at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) premises in Bandra, Mumbai. It marked an important milestone in India’s road safety capacity-building efforts.
There is a great need for accredited auditors in low-and-middle-income countries like India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 172,000 people lost their lives on Indian roads, averaging 474 deaths each day or nearly one every three minutes in 2023 alone.
The IRF International Registry for Road Safety Auditors looks to address issues like this, closing a critical gap in global road safety efforts by certifying auditors based on clear training and experience criteria, strengthening local capacity by training and accrediting young professionals and women engineers. This will give governments, project owners and financiers confidence that audit teams are composed of properly qualified professionals.
Through the training programme, engineers and professionals were given the opportunity to engage in highway development, road construction, traffic engineering and urban transport planning. It presented a chapter built on hard work, professional discipline and the shared commitment to saving lives on the world’s roads.
The session was facilitated by IRF Lead Trainer Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos and was attended by Managing Director of MSRDC Dr. Anil Gaikwad who personally awarded the certificates, congratulating the cohort on their dedication to advancing road safety and contributing to safer mobility systems across the country.
“With humility, it gives me great pride to announce that I have qualified as a Road Safety Auditor, receiving the Certificate of Competence in Road Safety Audits – Observer. It was a deeply meaningful moment to receive this certification in the presence of my mentor and Road Safety Specialist from the International Road Federation,” - Sharad Srivastava, participant and newly accredited auditor.
Participants were encouraged to embrace the philosophy of Vision Zero, the global movement toward eliminating fatalities and serious injuries by building roads, highways and transport systems that prioritise human safety above all.
Participants reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening road safety systems, expanding technical capacity, and contributing to the collective global vision of a world where no life is lost on the road.
The next round of training sessions for the IRF International Registry for Road Safety Auditors will resume in 2026 at India, Uganda and Tanzania.
For more details on IRF Professional Trainings, visit the link below:
IRF and IATSS Sign MoU to Advance Safer and More Sustainable Road Systems Worldwide
Tokyo, Japan | 17 November 2025 - The International Road Federation (IRF) and the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable road and transport systems globally.
The agreement was signed on 17 November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, by Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of IATSS, and Mr. Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of IRF.
Through this partnership, both organisations commit to strengthening collaboration in research, data sharing, and the exchange of best practices in road safety, infrastructure development, and mobility innovation. This will be achieved through joint activities such as conferences, workshops, training courses, and joint research initiatives.
Further, the IRF and the IATSS agreed to give visibility to the partnership through their websites and communications, ensuring stakeholders and members benefit from the shared knowledge and opportunities that arise from this collaboration.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years and serves as a framework for institutional cooperation, allowing both parties to work together toward their shared goals while maintaining their respective independence.
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About International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
About IATSS
The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) was formally established on 17 September 1974, courtesy of an endowment from Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, founders of Honda Motors Co., as well as Honda Motors itself. It aims to provide a forum for scholars and other specialists to freely discuss and conduct research on the present and future states of transportation in mobile societies. The IATSS promotes the development of the ideal transportation system by the prompt undertaking of traffic and safety-related research activities, hosting of research conferences, active support of publicity and publication activities, and bestowing awards and grants for transportation-related research, education and other activities.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF)
Ms Mao Macatangay
Communications Manager
mmacatangay@irfofficial.org | +41 22 306 0260
www.irfofficial.org
Valerann and Partners Earn Dual Industry Awards as Lanternn by Valerann™ Expands Nationwide in Ireland
This article was originally published by Valerann.
LONDON, November 11, 2025, — Valerann, a global leader in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), announced today that its collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has been recognised with two major industry awards on both sides of the Atlantic. The honours coincide with the nationwide deployment of Lanternn by Valerann™, the company’s AI-powered road traffic monitoring and incident detection platform, across Ireland’s motorway network.
The project forms part of TII’s enhancing Motorway Operation Services (eMOS) program, which is led by Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) in joint venture with AECOM. As part of eMOS, Lanternn by Valerann™ has been tested on parts of TII’s network with the deployment bringing together multiple data sources into a single operational picture, helping operators detect incidents sooner, coordinate responses faster and improve overall network performance. Following the positive results of the initial evaluation, TII will test the system through a national-level deployment on their motorway network, a trial which has been made possible through support from the European Space Agency (ESA) as a part of their Space Solutions Program that supports companies to create innovative services using satellite data, a key component of the Valerann’s solution.
The nationwide deployment of Lanternn by Valerann™ on Ireland’s motorways represents a key technology addition which can assist TII in providing safer, more efficient roads across Ireland. The platform combines multiple data sources to generate key operational insights for operators at TII’s Motorway Operations Control Centre who are managing the country’s motorway network. Through timely detection, Lanternn also has the potential to minimize the likelihood of secondary crashes — incidents which could potentially be avoided — further improving road safety across the network.
“Our commitment to ensuring the safety, resilience and sustainability of the motorway network remains our top priority in this partnership with Valerann,” said Andrew O’Sullivan, Senior Operations Manager, TII. “The use of the data fusion approach underscores TII’s dedication to embracing emerging technological solutions to support the operation of Ireland’s motorway network.”
“These weeks have been a remarkable moment for Valerann and for our partners at TII and ROD” - said Gabriel Jacobson, CEO of Valerann. “Being recognized on both sides of the Atlantic — by the IBTTA and the European Road Safety Charter — reflects the impact of our shared vision to make roads safer and more efficient through data and technology. With Lanternn by Valerann™ to be fully deployed across Ireland’s strategic motorway network, we’re proud to help set a new global standard for intelligent traffic management and road safety innovation.”
The partnership has been honored with the 2025 IBTTA Toll Excellence Award in North America and the European Road Safety Charter Award in Europe, underscoring measurable advancements in safety, performance and efficiency achieved through AI, data fusion and real-time decision support.
About Valerann
Valerann is a global leader in advanced road traffic management solutions (ATMS), redefining modern mobility through enhanced roadway safety and operational efficiency. Leveraging proprietary AI and computer vision algorithms, Valerann in real time processes vast volumes of traffic data in real time to enable accurate, timely, and actionable decision-making.
Its industry-leading cloud platform, Lanternn by Valerann™, empowers road traffic authorities with real-time situational awareness, risk profiling, and significantly faster incident detection. The multi-award-winning solution is trusted by public and private operators across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Central and Latin America, delivering double-digit reductions in accident rates through more proactive traffic management.
For additional information, visit www.valerann.com and follow us on our official LinkedIn channel. For press enquiries, please contact us at press@valerann.com.
About Roughan & O’Donovan
Roughan and O’Donovan (ROD) is a leading civil, environmental and structural engineering consultancy, with offices in Ireland and the UK. An independently owned firm, ROD employs a multidisciplinary team of over 200 people across its Dublin and Leeds offices.
ROD, in joint-venture with AECOM, is leading the delivery of TII’s enhancing Motorway Operation Services (eMOS) program. This program will enable TII to react to real-time events on their network, display lower speeds and lane control signals on new digital signs installed on overhead gantries on the M50 motorway and in turn enhance protections for emergency responders dealing with incidents. The eMOS program will also enable TII to keep road users better informed about incidents ahead and how they may affect their journey.
EMT Madrid Showcases Leadership in Augmented CCAM at Smart Urban Spaces 2025
Madrid, Spain | 12 November 2025 - Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT) de Madrid, a key partner in the Augmented CCAM project, took part in Smart Urban Spaces, a landmark event that reaffirmed Madrid’s position as a forerunner in urban innovation and sustainable mobility.
EMT presented, as part of a workshop, its experience and expertise in the field of connected and autonomous vehicle initiatives.
Held at Mercamadrid, S.A., the conference brought together institutions, technology companies and European partners to showcase advances toward connected, sustainable and people-centric mobility solutions.
Julián Olmo, Head of Rolling Stock Planning, shared EMT’s hands-on experience with connected and autonomous vehicles, building on major European initiatives such as SHOW, Augmented CCAM and its collaboration with the Centro Tecnológico de Automoción de Galicia (CTAG )
Meanwhile, Carlos Acha Ledesma, Director of Technology and Innovation, participated in the roundtable “Human Adaptive City”, exploring how emerging technologies can be designed to better serve people and communities.
Finally, Sergio Fernández Balaguer, Head of the International and European Projects Monitoring Department, moderated a panel on the physical and digital infrastructures needed to support CCAM mobility. The discussion featured experts from ETRA, TECNALIA, Alsa, CARTIF, INSIA and the Madrid City Council Digital Office.
Through these interventions, EMT Madrid underscored its role as a key partner within the consortium, presenting strategic decarbonisation and innovation measures that support the company’s commitment to clean and technologically advanced mobility, integrating seamlessly into the municipality’s broader Digital Transformation Strategy.
José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, closed the event and highlighted Mercamadrid as a ‘real-life laboratory for logistics and smart mobility solutions’. He also reaffirmed the city’s ambition to lead Europe’s transformation toward smarter, more sustainable urban ecosystems.
For more information about Augmented CCAM in action, visit the link below:
Muskaan Launched Road Safety Management Skill Enhancement Course at Vivekananda
(Left to Right) - Prof. Dr. Bhumika Badlani - HOD Development Studies at VGU, Prof. Dr. Boola Chaudhary - Asst. Prof. & Centre Head AIU-AADC, Dr. Praveen Chaudhary - Registrar at VGU, Shri Praveen Kumar - Inspector Education Cell Jaipur Traffic Police, Prof. Dr. D.V.S Bhagavanulu - Pro President at VGU, Prof. Dr. N.D. Mathur - President at VGU, Dr. Manoj Bhatt Retd. IPS - Former Director General of Police & Chairman Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, Mr. M.R. Bagaria Retd. RAS - Patron VGU, Ms. Neha Khullar - Director Projects at Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, Mr. Sameer Nainawat - Project Coordinator at Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety and Dr. Priya Modi - Asst. Prof at VGU.
FIRST IN RAJASTHAN, Muskaan Foundation for Road Safety, in collaboration with Vivekananda Global University (VGU), has launched a Road Safety Management Skill Enhancement Course, an elective program under the New Education Policy (NEP).
Vivekananda Global University (VGU) is the first university in the state of Rajasthan to introduce Road Safety Management Course in the regular curriculum. In each semester students will get total three credits in their degree course through passing the examination for this course.
This initiative marks a landmark achievement in Muskaan's 25-year journey of promoting road safety awareness and education. We are proud to share that over 180 students diverse academic streams have already enrolled in this pioneering course. With each semester, new students will join this course.
The course hosted by the Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Vivekananda Global University (VGU). Its objective is to:
- Build awareness on the magnitude and trends of road crashes and fatalities.
- Explain foundational frameworks and identify actors in road safety laws.
- Encourage responsible road behaviour among youth.
- Introduce practical tools to reduce risks and prevent crashes.
- Empower students with basic trauma response knowledge to act during emergencies.
Course Modules:
- Understanding Road Safety - A Data-Driven Reality
- Pillars of Road Safety - Systems and Stakeholders
- Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Responsible Driving & Crash Prevention
- Emergency Response & First Aid
This course is making road safety not just a subject, but a shared responsibility.
Circle of Excellence Series Launches with Its First Installment
4 November | Online, Global – The International Road Federation (IRF) launched the first instalment of its Circle of Excellence webinar series with a session focused on Building Green and Resilient Roads for a Changing Climate.
The session explored how innovation, policy, and practical experience can drive the transition toward greener and more climate-resilient road infrastructure.
With the road sector accounting for nearly 74% of global transport emissions, discussions highlighted the urgency of accelerating decarbonisation through clean technologies, renewable energy integration, and data-driven infrastructure management. Speakers also noted that while commitments to net zero are growing, emissions continue to rise—reaching 6.2 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2023.
The discussion was moderated by IRF Head of Outreach and Advocacy, Alice Yiu and featured speakers:
- Matthew Bond from the National Transport Research Organisation - NTRO to discuss the impact of bushfire on infrastructure and a framework to incorporate bushfire resilience in road design project
- Fabrice Breton from Olympia Odos S.A. to discuss the Solar Energy on the Motorway: On the way to Zero Emissions project
- Suresh Gurumurthy from INTERISE to discuss the Devihalli Hassan Tollway Pvt Ltd– “Commitment & Importance to Environmental Stewardship” project
- Subu Kamal from Transport Research Laboratory – TRL to discuss the Climate Informed Digital Road Asset Management System (iROADS) for Kerala PWD project
- Sun Zhaoyun from Chang’an University to discuss the Spatiotemporal Big Data-Drive Integrated Highway Asset Management Technology & Application project
Experts emphasised that true resilience goes beyond physical durability which demands smarter systems, predictive tools and sustainable operational models that enable rapid recovery and long-term reliability.
Following the main presentations, IRF members were invited to deliver short elevator pitches highlighting their own contributions to green and resilient road development, featuring:
- Ezel Sari from Hatko, who put a spotlight on the Recycled Rubber Noise Barriers
- Yuma Maeda from Fliegl BauKom, who discussed Innovative transport technologies to improve pavement lifetime
- Renaud de Montaignac from Oris, who shared updates on the a climate-ready road sector with AI and data
Framed around the upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil and the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), the webinar reinforced a global call to integrate resilience into transport planning and infrastructure design.
Participants reaffirmed the need for green, safe, and resilient roads that enable climate-smart mobility and protect communities in an era of increasing environmental change.
The full recording of the session is available exclusively to IRF members.
For questions and details, contact membership@irfofficial.org
IRF and ITF Sign MoU to Advance Safe, Resilient and Digital Mobility
In the margins of the High-Level Regional Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025, taking place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from 28–29 October 2025, the International Road Federation (IRF) and the International Transport Forum (ITF) formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that enhances collaboration across key areas of transport and mobility.
This partnership focuses on integrating resilience, digitalisation, infrastructure financing, accessibility, safety and security into mobility and transport systems. This MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening global cooperation in infrastructure policy, establishing a framework for collaboration that supports knowledge exchange, research and joint initiatives.
Established in 1948, the IRF is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving road networks through knowledge and expertise-sharing, advocacy and partnerships. With a rich legacy of collaboration, IRF has been a driving force in advancing road infrastructure worldwide.
Meanwhile, operating within the OECD framework, the ITF serves as a prominent think tank for transport policy. Drawing upon its extensive research and expertise, ITF promotes strategies for safer, more efficient and more resilient transportation globally.
This agreement aims to deepen engagement in data-driven policy design, accelerate the implementation of international best practices and support governments in addressing the various mobility and infrastructure challenges around the world.
The Global Agenda for the Transport Sector
Focused on institutionalising best practices in mobility and transport systems, this collaboration will further contribute to the IRF's vision for safe, resilient and efficient mobility. This partnership will serve to support countries to achieve road safety targets in line with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, fostering innovation and digital transformation in transport operations and infrastructure management.
Additionally, it will encourage regional discussions and capacitybuilding, ensuring these updates and developments reach local communities and decision-makers. Within the context of a unique Ministerial-level platform for dialogue and coordination, the IRF–ITF MoU serves as a practical step towards turning high-level discussions into action-oriented partnerships.
As countries and regions around the world continue to urbanise and expand their transport networks, the IRF’s partnership with the ITF will help ensure that this growth is guided by principles of safety, innovation and environmental responsibility.
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About International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
About the International Transport Forum (ITF)
The International Transport Forum (the "ITF")’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the role of transport and to raise the public profile of transport policy. The ITF acts as a forum for discussion and pre-negotiation of strategic and non-technical issues, while at the same time analysing trends, sharing knowledge and promoting dialogue among decisionmakers and key figures from civil society. The ITF is administratively integrated into the OECD and works with OECD substantive bodies on relevant topics of mutual interest.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF)
Ms Mao Macatangay
Communications Manager
mmacatangay@irfofficial.org | +41 22 306 0260
www.irfofficial.org
