EU plans for all new cars to be fitted with automated emergency call devices (eCall) moved a step closer prior to Christmas following a vote by the European Parliament's transport committee.

Antonio Avenoso, Executive director of ETSC, The European Transport Safety Council  representing safety campaigners and experts across the EU, welcomed the latest development. He said, "After a serious car crash, every second counts. This system has the potential to save many lives because it will enable the emergency services to respond quicker.”

The transport committee has also urged member states to run awareness campaigns in advance of the system's introduction. The eCall legislation will include requirements for eCall devices to be approved under the European type approval system. This will be a subject to a vote in the EU parliament's Internal Market committee later this month.