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The eCall system will contribute to reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in road accidents in the Union. It is expected that it will halve emergency response times, resulting in lives saved and injuries treated promptly.
Implementation
From 31 March 2018, car manufacturers will have to equip all new models with an in-vehicle technology that will communicate with the 112-based eCall interoperable service.
The infrastructure for the eCall system should be in place by 1 October 2017. Its use will be accessible to all consumers and free of charge.
Access to other remote emergency services
Vehicle owners will still be able to access to third party services in addition to the 112-based eCall system. However, these additional services should not affect the functioning of the 112-based eCall in-vehicle system.
It will also be possible to trigger the emergency number 112 manually, with the manual control system installed in a way that prevents it being triggered accidentally.
The eCall devices will be compatible with the Galileo and EGNOS satellite navigation systems, but manufacturers will also be able to ensure compatibility with other navigation systems.
Data protection
Vehicles will not be subject to constant tracking and data on previous locations of the vehicle will be continuously erased. Data will not be communicated to third parties without the consent of the vehicle owner.
Detailed technical rules will prevent the exchange of personal data between the eCall in-vehicle system and third party systems. This means that the right to privacy and data protection will be ensured.
Next steps
The Council's position in first reading follows an agreement reached with the European Parliament last December. The Parliament is expected to confirm the Council's position without amendments at a vote in second reading at a plenary session before the summer.
Background
The new regulation is part of a package of EU initiatives to ensure the deployment of the 112-based eCall service across Europe. On 8 May 2014, the Council already adopted a decision to introduce the mandatory eCall system.
The EU-wide infrastructure needed for eCall to work properly with emergency facilities is now being implemented.
- Council's position in first reading concerning type-approval requirements for the deployment of the eCall in-vehicle system based on the 112 service.
- Statement of the Council's reasons on the Council's position in first reading concerning type-approval requirements for the deployment of the eCall in-vehicle system based on the 112 service.
