1996

The European Parliament defines objectives for the development of the trans-European transportation network and stresses their importance so as to encourage their backing by its members. This action is reinforced by the request to maintain high safety road standards.

2001

The European Commission publishes: "White paper"

Objective: halve the number of victims by 2010

The White Paper "European transport policy for 2010: time to decide", the Commission highlights the need for impact assessments and safety checks to identify and manage high accident concentration sections. Also sets a goal of halving the number of deaths on EU roads by 2010.

2003

The European Commission publishes: "Third Action Programme for Road Safety"

Obiettivo: 20,000 Lives to Save

The Commission has identified road infrastructure as the third pillar of road safety policy, urging member countries to pay particular attention to the maintenance of existing roads and the proper design of new interventions.

2008

European Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management.

Objective: identify common strategies for road safety audits.

The European Parliament and the Council will require all member countries the establishment and implementation of procedures relating to road safety impact assessments, road safety checks, safety management of the road network and safety inspections.