Brussels, 28/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is enhancing certification and authorisation procedures for railway lines and trains equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS). Testing requirements will become stricter and on-board mechanisms will have to be tested in registered laboratories. This will involve an on-board computer in trains calculating vehicle speeds and reducing it if necessary and is part of the European Rail Traffic Monitoring System (ERTMS). These two systems will only be fully effective if the20 or so different signalling systems in force on the European railway network comply with European specifications. A single standard, such as the ETCS, also cuts down the increased costs of obtaining compliance certification for new trains. Millions of euro and waiting times can therefore be avoided thanks to this European system. 4,000 kilometres of railway in Europe are now equipped with it and over the next two or three years this is expected to double. (MD/transl.fl)