TRAN Committee adopts report on eCall

Publication date: 21 March 2006

The Committee has given broad backing to Commission ideas on "Bringing eCall to citizens" (COM(2005) 431). eCall is a pan-European in-vehicle emergency call. In case of an accident the eCall device in a car would transmit an emergency call that automatically is transmitted to the nearest emergency service. eCall can be triggered manually, but in case of a severe accident the car will send it automatically. The lifesaving feature of eCall lies in the accurate information it provides on the location of the accident site. This could result in a drastic reduction in the rescue time.

com2005_431_ecall.pdf (196 KB)

MEPs adopted the own-initiative report tabled by Gary Titley MEP (PES, UK) with 32 votes in favour, 3 against and 2 abstentions. eCall will be built on the single European emergency number, 112, which would ensure interoperability across the EU. The 112 has a component, the E112, which should allow immediate location of an emergency call. In an amendment, MEPs urged the Member States to complete the implementation of E112 as soon as possible and to promote the use of both 112 and E112.

report_draft_titley_ecall.pdf (248 KB)

Introduction of eCall as standard equipment in all vehicles entering the market is expected from 2009.

Next step:
Adoption in plenary, possibly 27 April 2006. Final version of the report which will be tabled to the Plenary.

report_final_titley_ecall.pdf (250 KB)

Related News Items:
- FIA welcomes the Commission’s Intelligent Car Initiative (23 February 2006)
- eCall : 4 more EU Member States sign MoU (19 October 2005)
- Commission urges to improve 112 emergency call systems (11 October 2005)
- 2nd eSafety Communication: Bringing eCall to Citizens (14 September 2005)
- eCall: Cars that can dial 112 (3 February 2005)
- Memorandum of Understanding on introduction of eCall (27 August 2004)