SAFETY+ EXCELLENCE LABELLING: ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS

As we are moving towards the end of this year, we take this opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved by the Sub-Committee on Road Restraint Systems of the Technical Committee 2 (Smart Safety & Security) of the Smart Transportation Alliance (STA), on the Safety+ Excellence Labelling initiative.

Launched early in 2024, the Safety+ Excellence Labelling, has taken rapid steps thoughout this year, towards a fairer, more transparent, and safer framework for RRS in Europe. The vision of this initiative is to lay the groundwork for safer and greener road restraint systems across European roads, in alignment with the objectives of the EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030, to achieve zero fatalities in road transport by 2050.

Following six productive meetings held throughout the year, each contributed to the development and update of a new assessment protocol for CE-certified Road Restraint Systems, incorporating reflections from internal partners as well as valuable input from external experts.

This protocol introduces a 1–5-star rating, valid for 5 years, based on a detailed analysis of the Initial Type Testing (ITT) reports and CE-marking documentation. Its purpose is to enhance trust, highlight product performance, and support public authorities in making evidence-based procurement decisions.

A new visual identity was also introduced in 2025, following the Committee’s consensus. The updated design integrates the star-based rating directly into the existing STA Safety+ logo, providing clear, simple communication for road operators, industry, and end users.

By strengthening the way Road Restraint Systems are assessed and labelled, and with the first RRS manufacturers reaching out to learn how to obtain the labelling, STA contributes directly to improved safety outcomes and crash protection performance while also accelerating Europe’s progress toward Vision Zero.