TISGRADE is putting its ambitions into practice through a series of Pre-Deployment Validations (PDVs). These real-life test locations explore how traffic and road data can be collected, validated, shared and used more effectively, helping to improve the quality and interoperability of traffic information services.
In this new series of PDV updates, we take a closer look at the different locations, the challenges they are addressing and the lessons emerging from the field. We begin in the French Mediterranean region, where Cerema is testing new approaches to improve the collection, quality and availability of road and traffic data.
In an interview, Jean-Philippe Méchin, who is about to retire from his role as leader of Cerema's Traffic & ITS team in the Mediterranean region, and his successor Marie Eldin share their ambitions.
With more than 1.1 million kilometres of public roads and over 35,000 road authorities, achieving consistent and harmonised traffic data across France is a major challenge. While data for the TEN-T road network is already available through the French National Access Point, extending this level of maturity to regional and local roads requires new approaches.
Within TISGRADE, Cerema is testing several methods for collecting and digitising road information. These include advanced vehicle-based technologies capable of accurately identifying traffic signs and their location, lower-cost solutions using Panoramax (based on 360-degree images), and approaches specifically designed for small municipalities, where traditional data collection can be too costly.
The team is also exploring ways to improve information about roadworks. By enabling contractors and other stakeholders to share timely information with road authorities, the aim is to improve the accuracy and availability of traffic information throughout the data chain.
For both Jean-Philippe and Marie, collaboration is key. The long-term ambition is to strengthen data sharing, interoperability and trust between public and private stakeholders, creating a more reliable traffic information ecosystem that supports better traffic management, road safety and sustainable mobility.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey across Europe and explore the other TISGRADE Pre-Deployment Validations.