In-car automated emergency calls move a step closer

EU plans for all new cars to be fitted with automated emergency call devices (eCall) moved a step closer today following a vote by the European Parliament's transport committee. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), representing safety campaigners and experts across the EU, welcomed the latest development. Antonio Avenoso, executive director of ETSC said, "After a serious car crash, every second counts. This system has the potential to save many lives because it will enable the emergency services
December 17, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
3287 EU plans for all new cars to be fitted with automated emergency call devices (eCall) moved a step closer today following a vote by the European Parliament's transport committee.

The 1197 European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), representing safety campaigners and experts across the EU, welcomed the latest development.

Antonio Avenoso, executive director of ETSC said, "After a serious car crash, every second counts. This system has the potential to save many lives because it will enable the emergency services to respond quicker.

"The European Parliament has been a strong supporter of eCall, it's important that Parliament negotiators continue to support the strongest possible implementation of the technology during negotiations with member states on the final deal.

"This technology should not be limited to cars, it also needs to be extended to other vehicles, including lorries, buses and ultimately motorcycles."

The transport committee also urged member states to run awareness campaigns in advance of the system's introduction.

The eCall package of legislation also includes requirements for eCall devices to be approved under the European type approval system - this will be a subject to a vote in the parliament's Internal Market committee on 23 January 2014. Before becoming law, a deal will need to be struck with member state transport ministers and approved by the full parliament.
Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Transports costs and lives can be saved through road maintenance
    November 27, 2013
    A group has united with a common aim, that roads must be maintained to save lives and money. The European Commission and national governments are being called upon to step‐up road maintenance standards by organisations, which represent consumers, road and vehicle industries, and safety bodies. The group comprises the Féderation International de l'Automobile (FIA), the European Road Federation (ERF), the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a
    Read More
  • Barriers to safety
    April 1, 2021
    All vehicle restraint devices on European roads are – or should be - certified according to the European impact standard EN 1317, implying conformity. But it doesn’t necessarily ensure that the crash barrier will perform its main aim of saving the vehicle occupants’ lives.
    Read More
  • Road pricing revenue a source of investment funds
    February 16, 2012
    When channelled back into the road sector, revenue from road charging is seen by many as a source of additional investment and research funds as Patrick Smith reports. Late in 2010, three major European organisations put out a policy statement calling for fair charging for greener, smarter and safer road infrastructure. ASECAP (the European toll road operators organisation); ERF (European Road Federation) and the IRU (International Road Transport Union), said that in recent years the concept of road chargin
    Read More
  • Developing Brazil's transport infrastructure
    February 16, 2012
    The IRF and ABCR spoke with World Highways about the upcoming 7th Brazilian Congress on Highways and Concessions event
    Read More

Highlighted Content