European Traffic Police Network report

TISPOL continues to take the lead in road safety across Europe. This is the second report of three against our Strategic Plan 2015 – 2017. 2016 has been a challenging year in many respects. The impact of public service cuts across Europe and the competing demands for police services bring the importance of the TISPOL operational calendar of activities to the forefront of the challenge to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2020. Roads policing in Europe continues to focus on the ‘fatal four’ major causes of death and serious injury on the roads: drink driving; drivers using mobile phones; not wearing a seat belt and speeding. But we also recognise the other dangers posed by criminality and those who continue to use the road network and place others road users at risk. The TISPOL Strategic Plan sets the priority and direction for 30 European Countries to work together and deliver a safer and more secure road network. The operational calendar sets out four key areas for action, known as the ‘fatal four’: n drink driving and drug driving n drivers using mobile phones, and other distractions n not wearing a seatbelt n excessive and inappropriate speeding Through our approach to tackling criminality, we have also held cross-border enforcement activities through Operation TRIVIUM and RPA Project 4. This report includes details of our approach and success in each respect. In September 2016, TISPOL held its first Project EDWARD Day. We were supported by partners such as ETSC, the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity, governments and police forces across Europe. There was also significant public and private sector engagement. This day was a resounding success and you will see a dedicated section to this event within the report. We are grateful for the support of the European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc towards this initiative. Project EDWARD is an example of what can be achieved when multiple countries and partners work together to highlight the importance of road safety. This signifies the importance that the TISPOL network can play in achieving the 2020 European road death reduction target. However, we must not be complacent and it is important that we recognise new and emerging themes such as fatigue, drug driving and multiple distractions that have an impact upon the number of road deaths and serious injuries. So as we move into 2017 the challenge remains, but I am confident that TISPOL will continue to share good practice, work collaboratively and engage key stakeholders to contribute to a safer, more secure road network for all. Ruth Purdie, General Secretary.

​Full report follow this link