INFRASTRUCTURE developments needed for the successful launch of an accident alert system are behind schedule if the system is to be launched in all new cars made from 2009.

The European Commission is now urging governments to invest in the automatic emergency call (eCall) technology, which will be in all new cars and will automatically contact the emergency services in the event of a crash. Information society and media commissioner, Viviane Reding, said: ‘I am generally pleased with the progress of eCall, in particular on the industry side.

However, if EU member states don’t react and fail to invest in the necessary emergency service infrastructure, we shall face a delay in introduction of eCall technology.’

The system works by calling the emergency services in the event of a crash using a single European number, 112, and will report the vehicle’s exact location.