Brighton and Hove MEP wants cars fitted with crash alert devices

South East England MEP Peter Skinner said that all new cars should be fitted with a device that automatically alerts rescue services if they crash.

Mr Skinner, who represents Brighton and Hove as a Member of the European Parliament, added that he welcomed a vote by MEPs urging a change in the law.

The Labour MEP said: “These eCall devices use the 112 public emergency call system and would allow rescue services to arrive faster, saving lives and reducing injuries.

“The earlier the alert, the quicker qualified and equipped paramedics can get to the scene.

“It’s estimated that the eCall system could save up to 2,500 lives a year and reduce injury severity by 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

“Europe has tried asking car-makers to voluntarily introduce the eCall system to their cars but only a very small proportion have done so.

“MEPs are therefore calling on the European Commission to table legislation to make the eCall system mandatory and free of charge to all drivers in Europe, irrespective of the make of their vehicles, by 2015.”