Skip advert
Advertisement

UK to oppose new life-saving system in cars

EU wants to make eCall system mandatory, but British policymakers believe cost is prohibitive

Car crash

The Government is opposing European Union efforts to fit potentially life-saving technology to new cars sold in the UK. 

By 2018, it’s expected eCall – which sends airbag data and location details to emergency services after a crash – will be mandatory in all new cars sold in Europe in a bid to save up to 2,500 lives a year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Government plugs in and adds electric cars to its fleet

UK policymakers don’t support making eCall mandatory, though, as they think smart motorways already provide rapid emergency response to accidents. 

But a report by the parliamentary Transport Select Committee said: “This argument may not hold in remote rural locations and we note that a sizeable proportion of UK motorists drive in other EU member states.”

• Car companies say: 'don't demonise diesel'

In fact, 70 per cent of fatal accidents in the UK happen on rural roads. Implementing eCall in the UK would cost the Government around £370million, due to the need to train emergency services and educate drivers on the tech through advertising campaigns. 

Meanwhile, the cost of the actual tech – around £100 – would be swallowed by consumers when buying a new car.

Some manufacturers, including Citroen and Ford, already have a version of eCall fitted as standard that works both in the UK and abroad.

Do you think the eCall system should be mandatory in the UK? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025