the Transport Research Arena 2008 (TRA 2008)

We are pleased to inform you that the Transport Research Arena 2008 (TRA 2008) will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 21 to 24 April 2008 around the theme "Greener, safer and smarter road transport for Europe". Following the success of TRA 2006 in Göteborg last year, TRA 2008 next year will be a further step towards building a real European Research Area for all aspects of road transport. The event is organised jointly by the Conference of European Directors of Roads, the European Commission and the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council.

The objective of TRA 2008 is for you to forge new, productive partnerships across all transport sectors. The road transport industry is an innovative force in Europe; it is one of the largest R&D investors in Europe. Climate change, urban congestion and the increasing demand for people and
freight transport challenge us to double our creativity to find adequate and innovative solutions. We are convinced that what Europe needs for sustainable, safer and more efficient road transport will emerge from exchanges and teamwork between all the relevant stakeholders. TRA 2008 will respond to this need, by gathering an expected 1,500 industry and research managers, senior researchers, engineers and scientists, as well as representatives of local, regional and national public authorities across Europe and around the world.

The conference will be complemented by a major exhibition showcasing how recent and future road research and technological development in Europe is responding to the challenges of climate change, and offering new solutions in urban transport, in long distance transport and in traffic safety. TRA 2008 will offer you a unique opportunity to discuss strategies for the future of road transport in Europe. The event comes at a key moment when the development of technologies that will be greener and more competitive is a top priority in Europe for the quality of life of our citizens and for our economy. Further details of the event can be found at: www.traconference.com

We look forward to your participation in TRA 2008 and to meeting you in Ljubljana in April 2008.