Brussels, 23/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - In adopting the own initiative report by Zita Gurmai (PES, Hungary) on intelligent vehicle systems on Thursday 19 June by a large majority (417 votes in favour, 6 against and 7 abstentions), the European Parliament, meeting in its plenary session in Strasbourg, has said that the development of such measures has been too slow in view of the existing potential.
According to Ms Gurmai's report, intelligent vehicle systems could substantially reduce the number of fatalities on European roads and reduce the problems of traffic congestion, pollution and public health. However, at the moment the penetration rates of intelligent vehicle systems and applications are very low given their potential, the report says. Many consumers cannot afford these new technologies, which must therefore be made cheaper as soon as possible. MEPs also call for better public information on the existence of such systems, in particular through car dealerships, television and the internet. The Parliament calls on the European Commission to focus its efforts on those countries where the availability of intelligent vehicles is still very low.
It also supports the project to set up a European automatic emergency call system, eCall, by 2010. In case of accident, this system would automatically alert the emergency services, providing the exact location of the vehicle. Once deployed across the EU this technology, which would be linked to the European emergency call number 112, could save up to 2 500 lives a year. The report urges the 14 member states which have not yet done so to sign the memorandum of understanding on the creation of this system by the middle of 2008. It also urges the Commission to pursue the creation of the regulatory framework on the harmonisation of the emergency call number 112 and the development of the eCall system based on 112 across the EU.
The Parliament also demands that the introduction of the electronic stability control system, which reduces the risk of skidding, be stepped up. Almost 4 000 lives could be saved each year if all vehicles were equipped with them. MEPs fully support the aim of 100% availability of this system for all models produced from 2012 onwards.
They also ask the European Commission to develop a methodology to measure the impact of information and communication technologies on CO2 emissions, stressing that this could help reduce fuel consumption and therefore pollution. Intelligent speed regulators, which adapt the speed of a vehicle depending on traffic density, could result in an overall drop in fuel consumption of 3%, the report says.
The Parliament observes that the use and installation of mobile telephones and “nomadic devices” has increased, and it therefore invites stakeholders to seek solutions to ensure that these devices do not distract drivers or prove dangerous in case of accident.
Finally, MEPs warn against the greater feeling of safety engendered by intelligent vehicle systems and the inherent risk of causing drivers to take less responsibility. They stress the crucial importance of proper training for drivers. (O.L./transl.fl)