Horrific tunnel fires in the past and the finding of significant defects in a first tunnel test in 1999 led to the Tunnel EuroTest and annual inspections of a sample of road tunnels on Europe’s most important traffic highways.

Five years and 120 independent audits later, using a methodology based on best available regulations, AIT & FIA have a database permitting unique assessment of the safety and risk potential of Europe’s most important tunnels. Maintaining minimum safety standards is an on-going task. Tunnels must have regular safety inspections. In 1999, 42% of selected tunnels failed, in 2000 it was 32% and in 2001 and 2002 only 25%. But, in 2003, 44% failed – a serious step backwards!