Fourth Conference on TunnelsSpain's Technical Road Association organises on 26th, 27th and 28th October in Andorra the 4th conference on tunnels, under the theme "Why are tunnels safe?". The European directive on security in tunnels aims at matching the minimum security standards to today's requirements and establishing the conditions that guarantee a high level of security for users in tunnels, in particular the tunnels on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This directive sets 17 parameters that must be taken into account during the project design phases. Special importance must be given to the use of intelligent transport systems and the preparation of a documentation on safety that describes the preventive and safeguarding measures necessary to guarantee the security of users. Also, before the a tunnel opens, this literature must describe the organisation, the human resources and equipment, and the operator's instructions to guarantee the adecuate operation and maintenance.The conference wants to serve as a forum for debate and participation from engineers, specialists, technical managers, private individuals and professionals who strive to get tunnels more and more secure, by developing their activities during the project phase, construction, equipment installation, and inner and outer operation and intervention.The topics debated during the speeches will be focused on centralised technical management, automatic incident detection, ventilation systems, fire control, evacuation and rescue means, the human factor (surveys), intervention and safety plans, operation manuals, the integration and matching to current requirements of facilities and equipment, and predictive systems.The congress will last three days, during which a technical and commercial exhibition will take place to enable companies and public bodies to display their novelties regarding methods, solutions, technologies or products designed for the world of tunnels. Contact the organisation department, tel. +34 915346181, fax +34 915340773, e-mail fmiguelanez@lgpc.e.telefonica.netFor more info on the congress, contact Technical Road Association, tel. +34 913082318, fax +34 913082319, e-mail congresos@atc-piarc.com and visit www.atc-piarc.com 40/05.