Brussels, 09/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 8 September, the European commissioner responsible for the digital strategy, Neelie Kroes, presented the European Commission's recommendation to equip all new cars with the eCall emergency number system. The recommendation was made to the European Parliament's transport committee (EUROPE 10448). In response to concerns expressed by MEPs about data protection and private life, the commissioner explained that the system would only be activated in the event of serious accidents. She also said that human life was more important than the protection of one's private life. MEPs called on the Commission to develop an information campaign on the eCall system aimed at citizens. They are also proposing that the system be extended to heavy-duty vehicles such as lorries and buses. In addition to problems, such as respect for private life, that eCall could create, Jacqueline Foster - the British MEP from the ECR - highlighted in a press release the real costs that setting up a compulsory system would engender for consumers in the long-term. The MEP considers that motorists and manufacturers should have the choice whether or not to install such a system in their vehicles. (I.L./transl.fl)