TISPOL Bulletin

Meet the new TISPOL President,
Volker Orben

We are delighted to publish the first interview with new TISPOL President Volker Orben. By the way, a full version of this interview can be found by clicking to the website (link below).

Q Congratulations on becoming the new President of TISPOL. What are your thoughts about this exciting new challenge for you?

First of all I am very grateful and proud for the confidence the TISPOL Council has in me to be the voice of the European Roads Policing Network. We need this voice to highlight the importance of our daily work for all European citizens. Traffic police officers  are responsible for the effective and efficient enforcement of traffic rules. In more than 90% of collisions someone has committed an offence against traffic rules.

Q TISPOL is changing. How confident are you that the changes are good – and will work? 

We are changing in organisational matters only. This changes will not concern for what TISPOL is standing for, will not concern our philosophy. Our partners will not notice these changes, except that we are considering a change of name. The forthcoming Council meeting in Dublin (September 2019) will need to decide on a change from TISPOL to ROADPOL which is a proposal from TISPOL Executive Committee members.

Q What do you see as your priorities while you are President? 

Priority one on terms of time is to finish the necessary organisational changes outgoing President Paolo Cestra and acting General Secretary Aidan Reid had commenced. I am working very close with them and the new Executive Committee to get the best result for the TISPOL Network. In spite of the tight time pressure, I am confident that we will have a new constitution and TISPOL will be registered in a member state as an International Public Association at the end of the year.

Q What are some new or emerging areas where TISPOL’s expertise and experience could be valuable? 

In May 2018, the European Commission published a Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety that includes a new long-term target to halve road deaths by 2030 as well as, for the first time, a target to reduce serious injuries by the same amount. Increased and well-publicised enforcement targeting the main risks of speeding, drinking and drug driving, distraction and non-use of seat belts on the road forms a fundamental part of achieving the new EU 2030 targets. 

Q What’s your view on the value of partnership working? Where has this been most successful for TISPOL and where should the organisation look for new, effective partnerships? 

I know that we are all 100 per cent focused on sharing, learning and delivering together. We are perfectly poised to take full advantage of the many opportunities open to us. Our relationships with governments, industry and stakeholders are better than ever, and I believe we have a really strong team in place to deliver further growth and success in the coming years.

Q Leave us with a clear message of support, advice and encouragement as TISPOL prepares for a new era… 

We know the importance of enforcement in reducing road death and serious injury, and we are committed to ensuring that Europe has the world’s safest roads. We will ensure in our strategy that the principles of the Safe System are included. 

Working with the right partners, we will prioritise the ‘fatal 4’ offences, and will organise our objectives to promote safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe road users.

Read the full interview with Volker Orben XXX >>>

Update on #ProjectEDWARD activity

It's not too early to send us your "zero" pictures. If you need reminding, the image below will guide you in making a zero sign. So please ask your colleagues - and share the pictures on social media (#ProjectEDWARD). Do send pictures and short video messages to us as well.

Please keep Tuesday 18 June in your diary...
This is 100 days before Project EDWARD and you will be able to tune in to a short, live event that will start the countdown clock. There will be the opportunity to hear from some key figures in European road safety and road danger reduction on that day, with our live 10-minute webcast starting at 1045 CEST, 0945 (London and Dublin). More details in the next Bulletin.

Thank you to the organisations who have confirmed their support for our activity this year so far...
FEVR and RoadPeace represent the voice of road traffic victims and their families. Both organisations are working with us this year, and of course we extend a welcome to all victim organisations who wish to take part.

And big thanks to our sponsors...
Michelin is once again working closely with us, as are Ireland's Road Safety Authority, Westcotec, Vitronic and Road Safety Support.

We also have our lovely web supporters...
Croatia Vehicle Center, GEM Motoring Assist, DriveTech and NFU Mutual . 

If you work for an organisation that may be interested in working with us, or you know people who may like to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact us to start a conversation. Thank you.