Definition – An ITS is a system that helps to optimise the use of existing infrastructure through a variety of technical means such as traffic signals, journey planners, smart ticketing or cooperative systems (including vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems). ITS fosters the coordinated management of road and public transport networks and eases the implementation of urban logistics and access restriction schemes. ITS falls within the measure
category of management measures.
To ensure greater coherence and interoperability of ITS solutions across Europe, the Urban ITS Expert Group has developed a set of guidelines for deployment of key applications of urban ITS. Best practice and standardisation needs for urban ITS have been identified in this context.
Relevance to SUMP – The European Commission’s Urban Mobility Package Annex ‘A concept for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans’ identifies ITS as one the topics that should be addressed in a SUMP. It notes that ITS is applicable to all transport modes and mobility services, both for passengers and freight; and that ITS can support strategy formulation, policy implementation and monitoring processes.
Source: EC, 2013