On 22 June from 09:00 to 10:00, the UIC was invited to take part in the INFRABEL (one of the numerous ILCAD partners) press conference, held at a level crossing in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (Brussels) where journalists from Belgian radio stations, TV and written press had the opportunity to ask questions to our INFRABEL colleagues. Volunteers distributed information leaflets on the dangers of level crossings called “le pire danger est celui qu’on ne voit pas venir” to the road users and pedestrians before crossing the LX. You can find more information on the Infrabel awareness campaign on their website dedicated to rail safety: http://www.securiteferroviaire.be/

After this very practical experience at a level crossing, the UIC, coordinator of the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) campaign, organised jointly with the European Commission and many stakeholders from the road and rail sectors all around the world, was invited to participate in an international press conference that took place yesterday, 22 June, at the invitation of the EC at the Berleymont’s building from 11:15 to 12:00 in the EC’s press room. Journalists had access either in the press room or directly through a web connection.

Mr. Enrico Grillo Pasquarelli, Director, Inland Transport at DG MOVE, chaired and opened the conference. He welcomed and introduced the following speakers:

• 1. Herman de Croo, Chair of ETSC (European Transport Safety Council and former Belgian Transport Minister)
• 2. Anders Lundström, Head of the ERA Safety Unit (European Railway Agency)
• 3. Ines Ayala Sender, Deputy at the European Parliament
• 4. Eva Molnar, Director, Division of Transport at UN-ECE
• 5. Alan Davies, Chairman of ELCF (European Level Crossing Forum)
• 6. Mr. Luc Vansteenkiste, Director General, INFRABEL, representing Mr. Luc Lallemand, CEO of INFRABEL
• 7. Simon Fletcher, representing Mr. Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, UIC Director General

Following their speeches the journalists and attendees had the opportunity to watch the EC financed video called “just in time” made for the ILCAD campaign and uploaded free of charge by more than 40 partners worldwide on their website and shown also during press conferences, in train stations and other public areas mainly in Europe.

A further, more detailed article on the press conference will follow this week.
For further information please contact fonverne@uic.org
ILCAD project coordinator
Visit our dedicated website: www.ilcad.org