THE European Commission could introduce new legislation forcing manufacturers to make safer car fronts.

It follows a call by the European Parliament for a legislative framework to be established.

Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen said: 'This is good news for pedestrians. EU action is essential to ensure carmakers all over Europe improve safety standards. The Commission welcomes the EP's support for the use of framework legislation in this area, to ensure the fundamental goals are achieved.

'The Commission is willing to put forward a proposal to this effect before the end of this year,' he added.

The European Transport Safety Council said it welcomed the move that MEPs 'have insisted in the need for legislation'.

ETSC executive director Jeanne Breen said: 'It is clear that, left to their own devices, the car industry has and will not provide effective designs for safer car fronts. We urge the Commission to mandate the EEVC tests – the only scientifically-based crash tests which exist – for new car designs as soon as possible.'