Meetings at the UN this week advance automation in transport

IRU is at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s Inland Transport Committee this week to advance dialogue and action on automation in transport – with digitalisation high on the agenda.

As part of discussions on digital transport and automation, IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, moderated a key segment focusing on the challenges and synergies in advancing automation for all modes of transport.

In addition, IRU organised a side event on digitalisation and e-documents, and a masterclass on e-CMR – the electronic consignment note.

The AEOLIX project, which includes IRU and five of its member national associations, was also presented by the project’s team at the Inland Transport Committee. This project will organise 400 cross-border transport operations using e-CMR starting from 5 European countries.

With new innovative entrants to the transport sector shaping the market, progress towards the development of fully autonomous vehicles has already begun. While research and testing is ongoing, it is crucial that governments and industry alike manage the transition to autonomous vehicles in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.

Embracing the full potential of autonomous vehicles requires a shift to digital transport –starting with the introduction of e-CMR and the use of digital TIR – alongside the adoption of the relevant annex to the TIR Convention, which will establish the legal framework for digital operations. 

By moving away from paper based systems, the transport sector will be well placed not only to benefit, but to thrive from the opportunities offered by automation and the digital era.