reducing road financing needs by contracting out all types of road construction and maintenance activities; and e) acknowledging the need of the Region for a vibrant, capable, varied and geographically extensive contracting and consulting industry and endeavouring to define and develop the optimal environment for development of the regional contracting industry. ARTICLE 4.3 REGIONAL TRUNK ROAD NETWORK AND ROUTE NUMBERING SYSTEM 1. Member States shall adopt a common definition of the RTRN and common route numbers, which shall serve as a basis for a co-ordinated plan for the construction and development of roads of regional and continental importance which they intend to undertake within the framework of their national programmes. 2. Member States agree that the definition of the RTRN will be revised annually. ARTICLE 4.4 NATIONAL ROADS AUTHORITIES Member States agree to establish autonomous accountable national roads authorities which are representative of the public and private sector and which have clearly defined responsibilities for a) overseeing, regulating and managing roads on a commercial basis by (i) applying economic criteria in respect of the optimal scope, design and timing for road programmes; and (ii) implementing effective performance measurement and independent auditing; b) effective utilisation of funding for roads; c) promoting the involvement of the private sector, road users, local authorities, financial institutions and environmental interest groups in the planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, and financing of roads; d) promoting competition by introducing competitive terms and conditions in infrastructure planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation contracts; e) developing a transparent process for the awarding of infrastructure contracts contemplated in paragraph (d); f) ensuring accountability to stakeholders for the provision, operation and management of roads; g) promoting public awareness on the importance of roads for mobility and trade purposes and engendering the culture of ownership and proper use of roads amongst road users; h) collaborating with road transport and traffic authorities to strengthen enforcement of road transport and traffic regulations; and