Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria)

Transcription

1 Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) Tanya Uzunova February, 2013

2 PROJECT INFORMATION Title: Intelligent Transport Systems in South East Europe Acronym: SEE-ITS EoI Reference number: SEE/D/0099/3.2/X Programme: South East Europe Transnational Cooperation Programme Starting date: September 28 th, 2012 Duration: 24 months Web site: PROJECT PARTNERS No Name Short name Country LP Centre for Research and Technology Hellas - Hellenic Institute of Transport CERTH-HIT Greece ERDF PP1 Patras Municipal Enterprise for Planning and Development S.A. ADEP S.A. Greece ERDF PP2 AustriaTech - Federal Agency for Technological Measures Ltd ATE Austria ERDF PP3 Hungarian Transport Administration HTA Hungary ERDF PP4 Bulgarian Association Intelligent Transport Systems ITS Bulgaria Bulgaria ERDF PP5 Intelligent Transport Systems Romania ITS Romania Romania ERDF PP6 University of Ljubljana UL Slovenia ERDF PP7 Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation ITL Italy EU ASP1 Hellenic Intelligent Transport Systems ITS HELLAS Greece EU ASP2 ITS Hungary Association ITS Hungary Hungary 20% ASP1 Italian ITS Association TTS Italia Italy 10% PP1 Albanian Association of Urban Transport SHKTQ Albania 10% PP2 Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb FPZ Croatia Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 1

3 DOCUMENT PROFILE Document status: Final version Deliverable code: D3.3.4 Deliverable title: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan Areas (Bulgaria) Work Package: 3 Preparation date: 28/02/2013 Submission date: 29/03/2013 Total pages: 19 Dissemination level: Public Author: Tanya Uzunova Contributors: Alexander Hausmann Evangelos Mitsakis Abstract: This report aims at screening EU policies regarding the political and commercial framework in Bulgaria. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 2

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Intelligent Transport Systems can significantly contribute to a cleaner, safer and more efficient transport system. A legal framework (Directive 2010/40/EU) was adopted by the European Commission on 7 July 2010 to accelerate the deployment of these innovative transport technologies across Europe. This Directive is an important instrument for the coordinated implementation of ITS in Europe. It aims to establish interoperable and seamless ITS services while leaving Member States the freedom to decide which systems to invest in. The Directive establishes a framework in support of the coordinated and coherent deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems within the Union, in particular across the borders between the Member States, and sets out the general conditions necessary for that purpose. The necessary standards to provide for interoperability, compatibility and continuity for the deployment and operational use of ITS shall be developed in the mentioned priority areas and for the priority actions. To that effect, the Commission shall request the relevant standardisation bodies to make every necessary effort to adopt these standards rapidly. This report aims at screening EU policies regarding the political and commercial framework in the different SEE-ITS countries. A basis for the analysis will be the EU ITS Directive, which identifies the following priority areas for action regarding ITS services: Optimal use of road, traffic and travel data Continuity of traffic and freight management ITS services ITS road safety and security applications Linking the vehicle with the transport infrastructure There will be one conclusion for all reports of Task 3.3, carried out in a separate document. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 3

5 CONTENTS 1. Introduction 6 2. Legal framework National ITS law Prohibiting legislative elements Influence on commercial and private initiative 8 3. Stakeholders involved Ministry of Transport Information Technology and Communication Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works Road Infrastructure Agency Others ITS associations Policy framework National ITS action plan Other relevant national policy documents Organisational and financial barriers Funding National standards Vulnerable road users Cooperation aspects Measures for public awareness SWOT analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Conclusion and next steps 18 Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 4

6 ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY 3G CEN EC ecall EU GSM ITS NGO SEE SWOT Vulnerable road users Third Generation mobile communication technology European Committee for standardization European Commission Emergency calling system for vehicles on European level European Union Global System for Mobile Communications Intelligent Transport Systems Non-governmental organisation Southeast Europe Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Non-motorised road users (pedestrians, cyclists) as well as motor-cyclists and persons with disabilities or reduced mobility and orientation Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 5

7 1. INTRODUCTION Based upon the information each project partner provided in the questionnaire of Task 3.3, this report performs a screening of policies in the SEE-ITS countries regarding the political and commercial framework with respect to the EU ITS Directive and shows influences on the commercial and private initiative regarding ITS implementation. It analyses instruments and measures for ITS deployment such as laws, action plans and other policy related documents as well as possible barriers for successful implementation of ITS applications and services. The national funding landscape is analysed as well as current possible measures for vulnerable road users, future European and regional cooperation and measures for public awareness regarding Intelligent Transport Systems. Ultimately, a SWOT analysis is carried out and based on it, next steps are evaluated. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 6

8 2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK This chapter includes the description of the legal and commercial framework in Bulgaria, especially focusing on the dedicated ITS law but also on how the legislative framework corresponds to commercial and private initiatives related to ITS deployment National ITS law The EU ITS Directive is transposed in Bulgaria in two phases. The main part of the Directive is transposed through Law amending (described below) the Road Transport Law, the second phase is through REGULATION FOR THE CONDITIONS for deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. The Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications coordinates the activities for the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. To support the activities of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, a board for Intelligent Transport Systems has been established. The board consists of a chairman, deputy-chairmen and members. Chairman of the council is the Minister of Transport, Information technology and communications. Deputy chairmen are a Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, a Deputy Minister of Interior and a Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public works. Members of the board are representatives of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications; the Ministry of Regional Development and Public works, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, appointed by the respective Ministers; also representatives of the Road Infrastructure Agency, Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation; Commission for Consumer Protection; Commission for Personal Data Protection; National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria, appointed by the respective managers. If necessary, the chairman of the board can invite for participation in his work representatives of other governmental bodies, local authorities, representatives of NGOs, universities in the country and other stakeholders whose business is related to intelligent transportation systems. The members of the board are appointed by the Minister of Transport, information Technology and Communications. The Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications in agreement with the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works issues rules of procedure of the board. The Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications supports the technical and organisational activities of the board. The board: Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 7

9 Supports the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications in the implementation of his powers Prepares and adopts a National Action Plan for deployment and use of intelligent transport systems and interfaces with other transport modes and monitor its implementation Discusses and prepares a report on the progress of the national activities and projects regarding the priority areas for the use of specifications and standards for intelligent transportation systems Makes proposals for changes in the legal regulation on deployment of intelligent transport systems Makes proposals to the Minister of Transport and Communications on the effective implementation of legislation related to deployment of intelligent transport systems Gives opinions on legislation related to intelligent transport systems Discusses other issues, related to deployment of intelligent transport systems By decision of the board thereto working groups may be created, to address specific problems and tasks. The rules concerning the implementation and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and interfaces with other modes of transport is determined by Regulation of the Council of Ministers Prohibiting legislative elements All official documents in Bulgaria related to ITS deployment are binding in case of a change of the political framework. There are no legislative elements in Bulgaria that would prohibit the adoption of the EU ITS Directive Influence on commercial and private initiative In Bulgaria the commercial and private initiative is regulated by the PPP law which was adopted on 1 January This law regulates the conditions and procedures for the implementation of public-private partnership (PPP). It aims to: Ensure the development of high quality and affordable services of general interest by achieving better value for public money investments Allow the promotion of private investments in construction, maintenance and management of facilities for technical and social infrastructure in the pursuit of public interest Create guarantees for protection of public assets and the efficient management of public resources in the implementation of PPP. The implementation of PPP complies with the principles publicity, transparency, free and fair competition, non-discrimination, equal treatment and proportionality. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 8

10 As a result of the implementation of the PPP Act expectations are to address the budget gap facing both state and local government and public legal entities in which these bodies have predominant participation or control and also to create conditions for the involvement of private partners in areas that are traditionally responsibility of the public authorities, thus to make use of private resources, knowledge, skills and experience in the public interest. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 9

11 3. STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED The following organisations and authorities are involved in planning, financing and implementing ITS in Bulgaria Ministry of Transport Information Technology and Communication The Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, is the institution that prepares the guidelines and policies in the transport sector, following European trends in the development of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and aims to contribute to the implementation of short and long term objectives of promoting the implementation of ITS in Bulgaria. Its responsibility is the coordination of activities in the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. An obligation of the Minister of Transport is the cooperation with the Member States of the European Union in priority areas as far as there are no relevant specifications adopted. Another responsibility is the establishment of a Council on ITS as an advisory body to the Minister of Transport and Communications to prepare a national plan for the deployment of ITS in Bulgaria Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works This is the national managing authority and contact unit for the operational programme "Regional Development" and territorial cooperation programs. Within the priorities of this ministry are: The construction and maintenance of the technical infrastructure related to improvement of transport accessibility and integrated management of water resources; The effective and efficient use of funds of the European Union and strengthening the confidence of European partners Road Infrastructure Agency It is part of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, responsible for: Maintenance of the national road network; Information on the current state of the road network; Vignettes and road fees; Issuance of permits for special use of the roads by driving the heavy and oversized vehicles; Register of persons and firms performing roadside assistance; Certificates for roadside assistance; Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 10

12 Permits for special use of roads by construction and operation of facilities advertising; Permits for special use of roads by construction and operation of commercial roadside facilities and road links to them; 3.4. Others The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for road safety and security. The Municipalities are responsible for ITS deployment on local level ITS associations ITS Bulgaria is an independent, voluntary non-profit organisation, created as part of the European ITS Associations framework. The founding members of ITS Bulgaria are manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors of travel and hardware accessories for the implementation of ITS solutions, Universities. Honourable members are the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Road Infrastructure Agency. The supreme managing organ is the General assembly; the other organs are the Managing board and the Control board. ITS Bulgaria is represented by Board Chairman. There are different kinds of membership within the organisation: full membership, honourable membership, associated membership: Full member ship legal persons, registered under the Bulgarian Commercial Law, with activity closely connected to the main activity of the association, with proven high level of professionalism and quality of the ITS products, services or solutions offered by them Associated membership - Sole physical and legal entities, research institutes and NGOs, including foreign ones, who do not qualify as full members, but they have a real interest and activity in the development of ITS Business decisions. They must have a good reputation among the business community and the general public. Honorable membership State or Municipal institutions, Ministries and Municipalities, State agencies or Sole individuals, having positive attitude towards the development of the ITS sector. They should have a positive influence and help or assign tasks for the development of: preparation, organization, design, implementation and maintenance of ITS based applications, technologies and solutions in transport and other related activities. ITS Bulgaria works as an instrument for solving problems in the transport sector and for the effective and coordinated realisation of various ITS projects, developed in collaboration with the Bulgarian Government and local municipal administrations. It stimulates collaboration with similar international ITS organisations for exchange of experience and proclamation of European and international best practices and implemented ITS solutions. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 11

13 4. POLICY FRAMEWORK This chapter focuses on the instruments that are utilised in Bulgaria to implement or facilitate the implementation of ITS. It also includes national funding programmes and standards used. Furthermore possible barriers as well as measures for vulnerable road users are emphasised National ITS action plan Currently there is no ITS action plan in Bulgaria, but there is one scheduled for the second half of No specific contents have been determined yet Other relevant national policy documents REGULATION FOR THE CONDITIONS for deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes The Regulation lays down the conditions and procedure for the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. It implements the requirements of the EU ITS Directive. The deployment of applications and services in Bulgaria is carried out in accordance with the European Commission's specifications for applications and services on Intelligent Transport Systems and adopted by standards bodies. Specifications for applications and services on Intelligent Transport Systems, adopted by the European Commission and the standards adopted by the relevant standardisation bodies are provided for use in the priority areas and priority actions defined by the EU ITS Directive. The Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation ensures the implementation of standards in order to ensure interoperability, connectivity and seamless deployment and operation of intelligent transportation systems. The Minister of Transport and Communications is responsible for: Coordinated and coherent deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the Republic of Bulgaria; Cooperation with the member states of the European Union, on the priority areas as far as appropriate specifications are not adopted. By August 27, 2014 and every three years thereafter, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology informs the European Commission on the progress of the national activities and projects in priority areas Organisational and financial barriers In Bulgaria ITS deployment depends significantly on EU funding. Furthermore PPP is not in operation except from a few examples like the Bulgarian partnership in the HeERO2 project. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 12

14 Public authorities responsible for ITS implementation have a low level of communication and interoperability. ITS projects are developed on an occasional basis Funding There are no dedicated national ITS funding programmes in Bulgaria National standards The Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation (BIS) has a full membership in CEN. All standards regarding the implementation of ITS approved by CEN are automatically adopted by BIS Vulnerable road users The institutions responsible for the infrastructure ensuring traffic safety have undertaken a wide range of measures stressing mainly on safer road design. There is a programme for integrated urban transport in its starting phase in the seven biggest cities in the country, which is planned to spread later also in the smaller residences. Part of that effort includes creating a network of new cycle paths. A common urban problem is pedestrians crossing city highways or high speed roads. Changes in the infrastructure are made to address this problem, which include: Rerouting pedestrian traffic to pedestrian bridges or underpasses especially on urban highways. Blocking pedestrians from passing dangerous locations through safety rails and also one innovative approach in softly separating vehicles from pedestrians using hedges. Improving the safety of existing pedestrian crossings by upgrading vertical and horizontal markings, repair or install new street lighting and/or lighting especially for zebra crossings. Pedestrian crossings with countdown timers for the remaining phase time. There are also some innovations in experimental stage like the deployment of pedestrian crossings with illuminated pavement markings. As additional component in the area of prevention practically all major cross-roads in the bigger cities are equipped with video surveillance cameras. This significantly reduces the number of drivers ignoring red traffic lights or behaving aggressively. This led to a decreased number of pedestrians hit on crossroads compared to the period before these measures. There is stricter enforcement on the pedestrian right of priority over vehicles. Both the penalties for running red light and not giving pedestrians priority have been significantly increased. The majority of the schools are separated from traffic lanes with safety rails and there are speed control bumps. Generally it is common practice to install speed control bumps not only Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 13

15 around schools, but also on locations with many pedestrians. Public transport stops that are close to traffic are separated by safety rails. Addressing the needs of disabled people there are elevators in underpasses and metro stations also the key crossroads are equipped with acoustic signalisation for the blind. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 14

16 5. COOPERATION ASPECTS This chapter concentrates on cooperation agreements of Bulgaria in the course of ITS implementation (joint research, data exchange, co-financing, etc.) at regional and European level, but also on measures undertaken for public awareness. In Bulgaria there are no such collaborations yet, but activities are planned Measures for public awareness There is a public campaign regarding ecall connected to the participation of Bulgaria in the second stage of the HeERO2 project. The ecalls services occupied an important part of the regional conference "Digital Agenda for Europe 2012: Reality or still a challenge" in Sofia. As a whole the general public is not aware of the exact meaning of ITS, nor of the benefits it could bring to their lives and safety. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 15

17 6. SWOT ANALYSIS In this chapter the results of a SWOT analysis of the ITS actions in Bulgaria at policy, legislative and organisational levels are presented Strengths Bulgaria has a well-developed 3G GSM communication infrastructure. There is a number of local IT system intergrators and developers whose expertise can be beneficial for ITS implementations. There are local manufacturers and integration of both IVS (In Vehicle Systems) hardware and software for fleet management. A PPP act has been adopted in the beginning of It provides opportunity for the involvement of private partners in areas that are traditionally responsibility of the public authorities. Currently there is a massive road building program. The government is covering the crisis gap and using the free resources in the construction sector for road building Weaknesses There are no dedicated national ITS funding programmes in Bulgaria, so financing ITS deployment is highly dependent on EU funding. Bulgarian public institutions responsible for ITS implementation do not coordinate properly. The predominant part of the infrastructure has been built in socialistic times and is at least 20 years old. Consequently many roads are in an accordingly bad condition Opportunities As an EU member the national transport policy should comply with the principles of the European transport policy and coordinate the national priorities with the European principles for integration and interoperability, providing sustainable mobility. Currently there are large-scale investments in road infrastructure in Bulgaria. ITS deployment in Bulgaria is in its initial stage and can therefore be structured properly from the ground up. ITS deployment is still a comparatively free niche for developers and manufacturers in this area. Bulgaria has a strategic geographical location at the crossroad of major European transport corridors Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 16

18 6.4. Threats There is no clear vision for a governmental policy concerning ITS deployment. Due to the economic crisis there are less opportunities for national funding The unstable economic situation is not favourable for private domestic manufacturers of ITS solutions. There is too little experience in the area of ITS project implementation. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 17

19 7. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS Based on the SWOT analysis, this chapter contains possible options for improving the process of ITS deployment in Bulgaria. The Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications coordinates the activities for the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. Thus the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications represents one comprehensive coordinating institution which is a good organisational premise for coherent ITS deployment. Many of the most important stakeholders for ITS deployment in Bulgaria already are members of the Bulgarian ITS board. Apart from four Ministries, there are also representatives of the Road Infrastructure Agency, the Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation, the National Association of Municipalities, the Commission for Personal Data Protection and the Commission for Consumer Protection. A conciliatory board consisting of user representatives could also provide the Bulgarian ITS board with valuable input. But first user knowledge has to be created since the general public is not aware of the exact meaning of Intelligent Transport Systems and consequently also not of the benefits ITS could bring to their daily lives. In this matter there is need for action because when the public knows better about ITS benefits there may be an increase of demand from user side which could stimulate a stronger commitment to ITS from policy side. Large parts of the Bulgarian road infrastructure are outdated and in an accordingly bad condition. Right now the paramount task is to fix damaged roads which leaves ITS as a second priority task on the basis of if there is money left. So the dominant share of the financial means is being occupied by infrastructural refurbishing measures leaving ITS nearly unfinanced. So the current massive road building programme could possibly turn out to be just another short-sighted political measure. All over Europe there is talking of reducing road traffic and managing road traffic more efficiently. Following the SEE-ITS project approach it would be fatal to blindly build a large number of roads and thereby creating supply for larger amounts and more comfortable road traffic. It is a common principle in transport that a given supply of transport will also be used. So it is important to improve Public Transport and smart interfaces between all modes of transport as well and set forward-looking measures for a more efficient use of road infrastructure based on the insights that could be gathered so far within SEE-ITS. Building and refurbishing transport infrastructure without incorporating Intelligent Transport Systems where it is possible will cause higher costs in the long run since it will be necessary to retrofit the relatively new infrastructure which could again have negative impact on the quality and durability. Bulgaria has good industrial and technological premises to start implementing ITS right now. The well-developed Bulgarian 3G GSM communication infrastructure allows for fast and low-cost installation of ITS technology that works within the 3G bandwidth. There are domestic manufacturers of hardware and software for In-vehicle systems that could be Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 18

20 integrated with other mobile and stationary ITS components. Furthermore a PPP act has been adopted in the beginning of 2013 that provides opportunity for involving private partners in areas that have been on the responsibility of public authorities so far. Since ITS deployment in Bulgaria is in its initial stage, there is a big opportunity to implement state-of-the-art technology in this sector without making mistakes and going long ways like the forerunners did. So what seems to be a weakness turns out to be an opportunity. Deliverable D3.3.4: Mapping of EU ITS Action Plan areas (Bulgaria) 19