ARTICLE 4.6 REGIONAL FUNDING INITIATIVE 1. Member States agree to implement harmonised cross-border road user charging systems which shall be regularly reviewed, improved and supplemented through improved research and data collection. 2. Member States acknowledge that national funding may be insufficient to ensure adequate extension, maintenance or improvement of the RTRN and, to this end, agree to encourage in support of the activities of national roads authorities a) the development of joint regional research and other programmes to assess on a continuous basis the adequacy of road funding in the Region; b) the development of transparent and comprehensive regional strategies aimed at procuring funding sources which may include the levying of cross-border road user charges and the collective or individual procurement of loans; and c) the establishment of a regional road maintenance fund. ARTICLE 4.7 HARMONISED TECHNICAL STANDARDS 1. Member States agree to implement complementary, flexible, sustainable, affordable, appropriate and transparent national road management systems. 2. Member States agree to develop appropriate harmonised technical standards in respect of. amongst others a) infrastructure planning and design including land use planning; b) soil and material testing; and c) road and bridge construction and maintenance contract documentation including general conditions of contract, specifications and standard methods of measurement. 3. For the purpose of this Article, Member States shal1 ensure that the construction of new roads which will form part of the RTRN and the maintenance of roads which already form part of the RTRN contracted from a date to be agreed upon, shall comply with harmonised minimum road and bridge design standards and specifications. 4. Member States shall strive to adopt a harmonised position with regard to the construction of new roads which will not form part of the RTRN. Chapter 5 ROAD TRANSPORT ARTICLE 5.1 OBJECTIVES Member States shall facilitate the unimpeded flow of goods and passengers between and across their respective territories by promoting the development of a strong and