POLIS RTTI Task force leads dialogue on digitising Traffic Circulation Plans in new position paper
A new position paper, developed by POLIS, CROW, and local road authorities across Europe, highlights the importance of digitising Traffic Circulation Plans (TCPs) to drive sustainable mobility, improve road safety, and create more efficient, user-friendly transport networks.
With real-time traffic information becoming vital to modern traffic management, digitalising TCPs could help streamline travel by providing road users with accurate, up-to-date guidance on traffic conditions, routing, and regulations.
The paper addresses the role of digital TCPs in standardising communication between road authorities and service providers, enabling optimised traffic flows, reducing urban disturbances, and supporting environmentally friendly travel choices. By integrating TCPs into a shared digital framework, the position paper aims to lay the foundation for consistent, transparent traffic management that benefits both public policy objectives and individual travel needs. It also highlights practical steps to incorporate TCPs into existing real-time traffic data frameworks, allowing for improved data accessibility, interoperability, and alignment across European cities.
Building a digital framework under EU regulations
The European Commission, under its Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) directive and Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) Delegated Act, regulates data provision for real-time traffic services, requiring that TCPs be made digitally accessible through National Access Points (NAPs). By 2028, the ITS directive will also require all newly developed TCPs to be digital and machine-readable, and the European Commission plans to set deadlines for digitising older TCPs, ensuring consistency across all EU member states. 
Overcoming the challenge of standardisation
A lack of standardisation in TCP definitions and formats across jurisdictions presents significant challenges for implementing the EU regulations and integrating digital TCPs into navigation services. These inconsistencies complicate accurate guidance for road users and hinder the achievement of public policy goals. To address these issues, the paper calls for a harmonised framework, proposing a unified definition of TCPs and advocating for consistent functional road classifications to be applied across the EU.
Paving the way for a harmonised vision for digital TCPs
This paper guides readers through the current landscape of TCPs, challenges in digitalisation, and relevant legislation, proposing a vision to harmonise Functional Road Classification schemes. It presents three practical use cases demonstrating how digital TCPs can balance individual travel preferences with broader public benefits, promoting road safety, public health, and environmental sustainability. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations and highlights the next steps, aiming to inform ongoing discussions within NAPCORE and pave the way toward a unified, digital TCP framework across the EU.
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