Brussels, 06/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - A considerable step forward for the eCall system is expected to be made next week with a proposal aimed at making the system compulsory for all cars after 2015. eCall is an asset when it comes to road safety as, in the event of collision, the system automatically connects car occupants to emergency services to speed up the arrival of emergency teams by giving the location of the vehicle.
The commissioners for transport and industry, Siim Kallas and Antonio Tajani, are expected to present new measures on Thursday of next week to speed up deployment of the system. On one hand, a proposal for a regulation will be made to bring about Europe-wide approval of the system so that all passenger vehicles and light vehicles are equipped with eCall after 2015. Furthermore, the commissioners are to present a decision on the interoperability of eCall services with emphasis on the infrastructure for managing calls made by eCall in emergency response centres.
Since 2005, the Commission has been seeking to implement this key system in a harmonised manner, but progress has been slow. The obligation to integrate the device could finally change the situation and save hundreds of lives each year. (MD/transl.jl)