Cross-border cooperation in traffic management

Cross-border cooperation is the result of contacts and measures taken and approved by the countries on both sides of the border. The management of the road at the inter-connection of two countries as well as two operators is more efficient and ensures better security for the user.

Traffic Management Plans, the fruit of coordination

As traffic management coordination measures reach a certain level of maturity, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is written. Traffic Management Plans are one of the main coordination tools between the different managers and the public authorities in charge of traffic regulation measures. Such plans contain descriptions of actions to be implemented in the event of a crisis like a serious accident, traffic jams, strikes, adverse weather conditions etc. A Traffic Management Plan is the final deliverable after all the contacts, cooperation and decisions taken to manage the road traffic better have been implemented. The next step for these TMP will be their computerisation.

Practical measures, immediate action

For serious events requiring the closure of a border or the stoppage of HGV’s, special tools are needed. Most of the cooperation, particularly between two countries, results in the setting up of measures to be taken in the event of a crisis on one side of the border. Often using phone or fax and following a strict procedure these measures are very practical, efficient and fast to implement when required !

Crisis management : France / Spain (Catalonia) put to the test Cross-border collaboration between France and Catalonia has proved its efficiency several times since the end of 2002. During heavy snow falls in the South of France in 2003 and 2004, the decision to park a large number of HGVs in Spain was taken in less than 30 minutes.This coordinated action prevented heavy congestion on the French road network.