To help mitigate the consequences of serious road accidents, the EU has committed to putting in place an emergency call system known as eCall. Based on in-vehicle communication technology, such an electronic safety system will automatically call emergency services in case of a serious crash. The eCall will dial 112 - the Europe's single emergency number and communicate the vehicle's location to emergency services, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a phone call. It is estimated that it could save up to 2500 lives a year.
To achieve that objective, on 13 June 2013 the Commission presented two legislative proposals aimed at ensuring that, from 1 October 2015, firstly, all new models of passenger cars and light duty vehicles would be fitted with 112 eCall and, secondly, the necessary infrastructure would be created for the proper receipt and handling of eCalls in emergency call response centres - ensuring the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of the EU-wide eCall service.
These proposals have been requested by the Parliament, in particular, in its resolution of 3 July 2012 on e-Call: a new 112 service for citizens (IMCO-TRAN report under Rule 51 by Olga Sehnalová and Dieter-Lebrecht Koch).
Out of the two proposals, the one concerning the deployment of the necessary infrastructure is discussed by the TRAN Committee, with Philippe De Backer (ADLE) as Rapporteur, while the IMCO Committee is the lead committee for the proposal concerning the in-vehicle equipment - the proposed regulation on type-approval requirements for the eCall in-vehicle system and amending Directive 2007/46/EC.
The proposal for a regulation provides for the mandatory introduction of an eCall in-vehicle system in new type-approved vehicles across the EU. Contrary to the current system where eCall is installed by manufacturers on a voluntary basis, the proposal provides for a mandatory fitting of eCall devices in vehicles, starting with new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, by 1 October 2015. It therefore requires vehicle and equipment manufacturers to ensure that, in the event of a severe accident, an eCall to 112 is activated automatically. An eCall can also be triggered manually. Furthermore, the regulation provides for rules on privacy and data protection, as well as for the delegation of powers to the Commission in respect of detailed technical requirements.
The Parliament adopted its position at first reading on 26 February 2014. On 25 September, the IMCO Committee decided to open trilogue negotiations with the Council and the Commission with a view to reaching an early second reading agreement.
Rapporteur: Olga Sehnalová (S&D)
Shadow Rapporteurs: Carlos Coelho (EPP), Louis Ide (ECR), Ulla Tørnæs (ALDE), Dennis de Jong (GUE/NGL), Jan Philipp Albrecht (Greens/EFA), tbc (EFDD).
Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP