ITS European Congress 2014 opened

The largest European event in intelligent transport systems and services, ITS European Congress, was opened on 16 June at the Helsinki Fair Centre (Messukeskus). This is the first time the event will be held in Finland. The four-day Congress will focus on the latest innovations in ITS research and business.

The event was opened by Henna Virkkunen, Finland's Minister of Transport and Local Government, Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for transport, and Jean Mesqui, Chair of the Supervisory Board of ERTICO, Network of Intelligent Transport Systems and Services stakeholders in Europe.

In her opening speech Minister Virkkunen emphasised the importance of a transport ecosystem to the whole of society and told about what is to be expected in the transport sector.

- In future, all cars will be able to connect to the Internet to report in real time about congestion, road weather or sudden changes in driving conditions.

She also told that a new initiative, Traffic Lab, has been launched within Finland's transport administration. The project will make it possible to test intelligent transport applications in Finland.

- The aim is to make Traffic Lab a window into the ITS expertise in Finland. The project helps utilise the growth potential in ITS and create a model that enables mobility services markets.

Altogether around 2,000 guests are expected at the venue. Registrations have arrived from more than 60 countries.

Minister Virkkunen and EU Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas will hold a press conference from 14.30 to 15.30. Link below.