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Commission launches eCall Impact Assessment Study

Creation date: 02 December 2008

The European Commission is promoting eCall as an important tool to help reduce road casualties. Currently 14 Member States, 3 non-EU countries as well as 60 associations and companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the introduction of a pan-European eCall system in Europe. The European Commission also asked a European stakeholder group of the eSafety Forum, the eCall Driving Group, to develop a ‘road map' for eCall implementation, which set out the main milestones needed to be reached in order to achieve the introduction of eCall as standard equipment in all new vehicles entering the market with a target date of 2010. In addition, the European Commission is now investigating the need for legislation on the issue.

To support the political decision on whether or not to introduce a regulatory approach, the European Commission has launched an eCall Impact Assessment Study that will investigate the market introduction of eCall across Europe, analyse the legal and liability issues, carry out a full assessment of potential impact of eCall introduction, identify the costs and benefits, and assess three specific policy options: do nothing, voluntary agreement supported with public sector campaigns and other actions, or mandatory introduction by regulation.

In addition to supporting this decision by the European Commission, the study will provide help to inform decision making by other stakeholders in the eCall service chain.

The eCall Impact Assessment Study, lead by TRL, involve as major partners TNO, VTT, eSafetyAware, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and ERTICO. The kick-off meeting is took place on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.