Topics » Authorities
The European Commission launched a consultation on future universal service in digital era
04 Mar 2010
A public consultation on what is the best approach to ensure that basic telecoms services are available for all EU citizens has been launched yesterday by the European Commission. The consultation aims to see if rules and definitions on universal service need to be updated for the digital age, and in particular if they should be extended to cover broadband access. Please note that it is the directive governing 112 issues. It will help the Commission decide if it needs to present new legislative proposals on universal service obligations for telecoms by end of 2010. The consultation will run until 7 May 2010. A Public Workshop will be held on 30 March 2010 in Brussels.
European 112 Day celebrated all over Europe
11 Feb 2010
Members of the European Parliament call to raise awareness about 112:
Read ArticleEuropean Commission ends case against Italy on the transfer of 112 calls to the emergency services
25 Jan 2010
Italy - The European Commission ended legal action taken against Italy following confirmation that calls made to the single European emergency number 112 can be effectively transferred to the relevant national emergency service.
New legislation proposal for accessibility of 112
21 Jan 2010
Belgium - Greens have proposed a new legislation to the Belgian Senate in order to make calls to 112 accessible to persons with disabilities. They ask for implementation of SMS calls to emergency services.
Intel and Google: In-car Web
18 Jan 2010
Intel and Google have unveiled new infotainment systems integrating the Internet into cars more seamlessly than ever before at the Consumer Electronic Show.
Read ArticleMEP supporting 112 questions new Commissioner during hearings
15 Jan 2010
On 14 January 2010 (hearings of the new European Commissioners at the European Parliament in Brussels), the Member of the European Parliament, Fiona Hall, from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe political group, asked a question about 112 and caller-location to Commissioner Neelie Kroes (Digital Agenda portfolio) during her hearing.
Read ArticleUS: FocusDriven to campaign against distracted driving
14 Jan 2010
The Transportation Department and safety advocates have announced the creation of FocusDriven, an organization
dedicated to raising public awareness about the dangers of driving while talking on cell phones or texting on
handheld computers.
Darwen and Rossendale MP calls for emergency mobile phone signal
07 Jan 2010
United Kingdom - AN East Lancashire MP has called for an emergency mobile phone signal to be introduced after being stranded in a Rossendale blizzard. Janet Anderson is urging the government to get onboard with a new initiative to help people contact emergency services when their mobile phone signal is down.
New 111 non-emergency healthcare phone number confirmed
22 Dec 2009
United Kingdom - Ofcom today confirmed that it will allocate a new memorable three-digit phone number - 111 - for NHS non-emergency healthcare services. This will enable the Department of Health to introduce the service to make it easier for patients to access healthcare in their local area. Ofcom also confirmed that the Department of Health intends that calls to the number will be free.
112: European Commission sends Italy final warning and closes legal action against Lithuania
25 Nov 2009
The European Commission today stepped up legal action against Italy because Italian emergency services still do not receive information about the location of people who dial 112 - Europe's single emergency number - from mobile phones despite a previous judgement of the European Court of Justice. The Commission has decided to send Italy a reasoned opinion, which is the final stage before the case is referred again to the European Court of Justice, who would then have to decide to impose financial penalties on Italy for lack of respect of a previous judgement. At the same time, the Commission also ended legal action taken against Lithuania as caller location details are now available for 112 calls from mobile phones.
Read ArticleOne in three emergency calls are not answered - EC following 112 implementation closely
23 Nov 2009
MALTA - One in three phone calls made to Malta's official emergency number remains unanswered, The Sunday Times has learnt.:This means that every year more than 310,000 calls to the 112 emergency line operated by the Maltese police fails to be picked up. Other EU countries have an unanswered percentage rate of between zero and 6.5 per cent.
Successful eCall demonstration by Qualcomm and Hughes Telematics
20 Nov 2009
Qualcomm Incorporated, a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies products and services, and Hughes Telematics, Inc., a leader in providing next generation telematics solutions, have successfully demonstrated the data transmission technology of the upcoming pan-European, in-vehicle emergency call (eCall) standard over commercial wireless networks at the 12th eSafety Forum Plenary meeting, "eCall Summit", held in Brussels, Belgium on October 29, 2009.
Read ArticleDutch government finalises kilometre charge plan
16 Nov 2009
Over the next few years, all road users will start to pay for using their vehicle rather than for owning it. The kilometre charge will halve the number of traffic jms and benefit the environment. How its will work and what it will cost are described in the bill on the the kilometre charge proposed by Minister Eurlings and submitted to the Lower House of Parliament by the Cabinet.
Read ArticleThe EC Council finally adopted the Universal Service directive
02 Nov 2009
On 26th of October, the European Council (Member States) in Brussels has finally adopted the Universal Service directive. This means that the provisions concerning the European emergency number 112 in this Directive will be the ones presented in the document below.
Read ArticleCaller location information for 112 emergency calls available in the Netherlands
12 Oct 2009
The Commission today ended legal action against the Netherlands, now that emergency services can locate callers dialling the single European emergency number 112, even when users are unable to say where they are. Following a case launched by the Commission in 2006, the ECJ had ruled on 9 October 2008 that the Netherlands had failed to ensure that caller location information is made available for mobile calls to 112 ( IP/08/1529 , Judgment of, case C-230/07 ).
Read Article6th Standards Development Organizations (SDO) Emergency Services Workshop
29 Sep 2009
The next Emergency Services Workshop will be organised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 4th and 5th 2009. The Emergency Services Workshop series is an ongoing effort in the emergency services community to coordinate global standards and technologies for emergency call and emergency notification.
Read Article
EU’s push for eCall could boost telematics industry
10 Sep 2009
Sunnyvale-based M2M-Provider Jasper Wirless assesses the EU's reborn support for eCall as an interesting development for the telecommunications industry.
Read ArticleGSM Association signs up for eCall roll-out
09 Sep 2009
BRUSSELS, The GSMA, the body representing the worldwide mobile communications industry, signed EU's Memorandum of Understanding to implement eCall across Europe.
Read ArticleEuropean Commission makes last call for voluntary eCall implementation
21 Aug 2009
BRUSSELS, Aug 21, The European Commission has made a final call to the European governments to speed up voluntary implementation of the new in-car communication technology "eCall".
Read ArticleUSDOT releases primer on traffic and congestion pricing
10 Aug 2009
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a primer that examines the interrelationships between congestion pricing and transit operations and use. The Congestion Pricing Primer Series is part of FHWA's outreach efforts to introduce the various aspects of congestion pricing to decision makers and transportation professionals in the United States. The primers are intended to lay out the underlying rationale for congestion pricing and some of the technical issues associated with its implementation in a manner that is accessible to non-specialists in the field.
"Moving Cooler" report highlights emission reduction benefits of pay-per-mile insurance
06 Aug 2009
The first‐ever comprehensive analysis of transportation efficiency and its relationship to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and consumer savings has been released by a diverse group of stakeholders committed to addressing climate change. "Moving Cooler: An Analysis of Transportation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions," provides an objective and scientific analysis of the effectiveness and cost of almost 50 scalable transportation strategies, both alone and combined, to reduce GHG emissions.
Read ArticleUSDOT solicits applications for funding from Value Pricing Pilot Program
06 Aug 2009
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a notice and solicitation for participation inviting States, along with their local government partners and other public authorities, to apply to participate in the Value Pricing Pilot (VPP) program. The solicitation specifically calls for testing of innovative non-toll pricing strategies such as "pay-per-mile car insurance." An electronic copy of the announcement may be downloaded from the Federal Register’s home page at: http://www.archives.gov and the Government Printing Office’s database at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
Read ArticleEuropean Commission paves the way for European mobile satellite services
25 Jun 2009
European consumers and businesses, particularly in rural areas, can expect to benefit from innovative wireless communication services after the European Commission selected two operators, Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited, to provide mobile satellite services across Europe. The services, such as high-speed internet access, mobile television and radio or emergency communications, will be provided over a specifically reserved spectrum. Both satellite operators demonstrated an advanced level of technical and commercial ability to provide these services.
Read ArticleEuropean Commission paves the way for European mobile satellite services
20 May 2009
European consumers and businesses, particularly in rural areas, can expect to benefit from innovative wireless communication services after the European Commission selected two operators, Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited, to provide mobile satellite services across Europe. The services, such as high-speed internet access, mobile television and radio or emergency communications, will be provided over a specifically reserved spectrum. Both satellite operators demonstrated an advanced level of technical and commercial ability to provide these services.
Read ArticleEstonia backs eCall
29 Apr 2009
On April, 27th, the eCall Memorandum of Understanding (eCall MoU) got the backing of Estonia. Jüri Pihl, Estonian Minister of the Interior, signed the eCall MoU in the presence of Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Information Society and Media. Estonia is the 15th EU Member State to sign the MoU. It thereby commits itself to the timely implementation of this pan-European emergency call system, enabling a car involved in a serious crash to automatically dial 112 and call the nearest emergency centre to transmit the accident's exact location.
Read ArticleMethodologies for assessing the impact of ITS applications on CO2 emissions
14 Apr 2009
This technical report produced by the European Commission - Japanese Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (EC-METI) Task Force summarises the current status in Europe of technologies for assessing the environmental impacts of road transport.
Read ArticleMobile emergency calls move hailed
25 Mar 2009
Plans to make it easier for people to call the emergency services on mobile phones wherever they are in the UK have been unveiled.
Read ArticleFrance’s DAB legislation forces OEMs into action
23 Mar 2009
As a consequence of the growing pressure from EU governments to accelerate the transition from analogue to digital radio, the French government has introduced legislation requiring all car radios to be equipped with DAB from September 2013.
Read ArticleGoogle Earth in danger of losing its focus
12 Mar 2009
Joel Anderson, California State Assembly Republican Member, is proposing a new "security" measure that will require Google - and other providers of similar map data - to blur images of schools, churches, hospitals and government buildings to prevent terrorists from gathering detailed information on potential targets.
Read ArticleEuropean eCall platform will boost eCall deployment across Europe
02 Mar 2009
Aiming at being the co-ordination body, the European eCall Implementation Platform brings together all major stakeholders to synchronise their activities, which would accelerate the deployment of eCall at national and European level. Furthermore, the platform will develop the previous work accomplished by the eCall Driving Group, PSAPs Expert Group and the European Standardisation Organisation.
Read ArticleLaunch of the 112 Foundation to raise awareness on the 112
01 Mar 2009
EENA is delighted to announce the launch of the 112 Foundation. The 112 Foundation was created to save lives by promoting the knowledge and appropriate use of the European emergency number 112. The 112 Foundation was proposed and established by EENA - the European Emergency Number Association - in cooperation with its Advisory Board. Its main objective is to offer free campaign materials to all citizens and organisations willing to inform and educate on the 112.
112: Commission says EU single emergency number must get multilingual
16 Feb 2009
Since December 2008, EU citizens can contact emergency services from anywhere in the European Union by dialing 112, the EU-wide emergency number, free of charge from both fixed and mobile phones.
Read ArticleMeta System and Octo Telematics take part in PEGASUS project
13 Feb 2009
ERTICO Partner Meta System and Octo Telematics, both companies of MetaSystem Group, are partners in “PEGASUS”, an important project aiming at promoting sustainable mobility in urban areas. The project recently received approval for public funding.
Read ArticleNew digital tacho rules to prevent fraud
26 Jan 2009
The European Commission adopted a package of measures aimed at detecting and preventing abuses of the tachograph system and permitting the use of dedicated, type-approved adaptors for light vehicles that are required to comply with the Drivers' Hours and Tachograph rules.
Read ArticleMSWiA: several public IT projects to be launched in 2009
15 Jan 2009
Poland - The Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) is to announce a tender for up to eight strategic advisory companies for its forthcoming IT projects, Puls Biznesu has informed. The winners will work on feasibility studies and tender specifications for projects such as: w-PUAP (for the administrative services), PL.ID (electronic ID cards, to be launched in 2011), and the 112 alarm call and communication infrastructure for the emergency services. The ministry is prepared to spend nearly PLN 50m (€11.9m) on these advisory services.
European emergency number 112 now works in all EU Member States
23 Dec 2008
People can now reach emergency services from anywhere in the EU, simply by dialling 112, the single European emergency number.
Read ArticleeSafety Forum's "Life Saving Awards 2008"
11 Nov 2008
awarded by
Commissioner Viviane Reding to Robert Bosch GmbH, the Swedish Road Administration and Dr Gerhard Rollmann.
Commission proposes a new information-sharing tool at EU level to better protect critical infrastructure
10 Nov 2008
The European Commission proposed legislation on establishing a Critical Infrastructure Warning Information Network (CIWIN) to strengthen information-sharing on critical infrastructure protection between EU Member States.
EENA announces selection of the REACH112 project
30 Oct 2008
The European Commission officially announced on Friday, 24 October, 2008, the selection of the project REACH112 - Responding to all citizens needing help - that intends to improve the accessibility of the EU emergency services for people with disabilities as well as person-to-person communication. REACH112 is a project proposed by the EENA Advisory Board, launched as part of the 112 Excellence Centre concept that intends to support the upgrading of 112 emergency services and highlight them as best practices in Europe. France, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have been the 5 pilot countries selected for this 9 million Euros project.
Poland Offering Mobile Location Data for Emergency Phone Calls
22 Oct 2008
The European Commission has closed an infringement case against Poland for the lack of availability of caller location after the Polish authorities confirmed that it has been available for calls to the European emergency number 112 (the pan-Europe version of 911 / 999) since 30th June.
112 emergency number joins discussion of special investigation techniques
16 Oct 2008
Sofia. The special investigation techniques issue has been raised during the discussion of the bill on 112 emergency telephone number, Focus News Agency reported.
An audit to better understand the actions and needs of emergency services
12 Oct 2008
The French department of Haute-Corse is planning to reorganise its management of emergency calls by gathering on a same platform the fire brigade (112 and 18) and the EMS (15-SAMU) in order to optimize the efficiency of call handing and interventions.
Telecoms: better services for consumers and a safer internet
06 Oct 2008
The European Parliament adopted a legislative report at first-reading aimed at providing wider access to telecoms services, more information for consumers and stronger data protection. All the major political groups in Parliament agreed a compromise before the plenary vote which does not alter the main goal of the draft legislation - to improve the position of telecom users - but they greatly clarify its aims, notably as regards protection of privacy and fundamental rights.
Emergency line 112 to become operative as of 30 September
03 Oct 2008
Sofia. Emergency line 112 would start operating as of 30 September this year, MEP Feliz Husmenova announced at the European Parliament. Husmenova also confirmed that the emergency centre would be accessible from across the country. In her words the system employed cutting-edge technologies allowing the immediate location of the troubled callers.
The European Court of Justice declares failure of Lithuania to implement caller-location
23 Sep 2008
The European Court of Justice Declared that the Republic of Lithuania has failed to fulfil its obligations under Article 26(3) of Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.
Ofcom forces internet telephony services to cover 999 calls
22 Sep 2008
Providers of internet telephony must now allow emergency 999 calls over their networks or face the risk of enforcement action, regulator Ofcom has said.
Read ArticleUK announce roads pricing trials
18 Sep 2008
The UK Department for Transport has announced that it has chosen seven companies to develop the technology to be used in pilot trials. This marks a deciding step forward concerning the plans for road pricing. The local authorities choosing to introduce pay-as-you-go road pricing schemes will use the technology developed.
Read ArticleGermany to start Car-2-Car and Car-to-Infrastructure trial
08 Sep 2008
The government of the German region of Hesse has formed a partnership with ERTICO Partners, Adam Opel, Continental and Dambach Werke in support of the "traffic jam-free Hesse 2015" initiative.
Read ArticleEU Telecoms Reform: 7 Very Concrete Improvements for European Consumers
04 Sep 2008
Today, the European Parliament will debate, in plenary session, the so-called EU Telecoms Reform, proposed by the Commission on 13 November 2007. Of particular importance in this debate will be the proposals made by the European Commission to give consumers of fixed and mobile phones and Internet services more rights and better choice (IP/07/1677).
Read ArticleCalifornia: Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Option
02 Sep 2008
Californian Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner wants to broaden the insurance options available by adding pay-as-you-drive to encourage people to drive less and help reduce greenhouse gases.
Read ArticleBulgaria Introduces Huge Fines for Fake Emergency Calls
20 Aug 2008
Fines of up to BGN 20,000 for fake alerts made over the new emergency 112 phone line are included in the project for the new Law for the National Emergency Call System with an Unified European Number.
"Spy in the sky" paves way for road pricing
19 Aug 2008
According to a Telegraph report the UK is pushing ahead with plans for a national road-pricing scheme including testing "spy in the sky" technology.
Read ArticleEC allocates single radio frequency for co-operative systems
12 Aug 2008
The European Commission plans to allocate a single EU-wide radio frequency for road safety communication applications which can be used for immediate and reliable communication between cars, and between cars and roadside infrastructure.
Read ArticleMEP Alain Lamassoure joins EENA Advisory Board
11 Aug 2008
EENA is delighted to announce that MEP Alain Lamassoure has decided to join EENA Advisory Board. Alain Lamassoure is a French Member of the European Parliament (EPP-ED). Alain Lamassoure was Minister of European Affairs in France between 1993 and 1995 and Minister of Budget between 1995 and 1997.
Read ArticleCouncil of Ministers adopts draft bill on 112 emergency line
08 Aug 2008
Sofia. The Bulgarian Council of Ministers adopted today a draft bill for the emergency line 112, the press office of the Ministry for Extraordinary Situations announced.
Number of false emergency calls rises
08 Aug 2008
Netherlands - The abuse of the 112 emergency services telephone number rose last year despite a clampdown on those making false calls, the Nederlands Dagblad reports.
Fire station unveil new engine
08 Aug 2008
The new fire appliances will display both the UK emergency telephone number (999) and the Pan-European (112) emergency telephone number, to raise public awareness of the existence of the single European Emergency Telephone Number.
EENA to Strengthen Efforts to Improve European 112 Education
18 Jul 2008
The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) announced today a new ongoing Europe-wide 112 Community Education project to promote awareness of the European Emergency Number - 112. The project will engage in a number of promotional efforts to educate the general public and promote specific educational outreach efforts for children, parents, teachers, and senior citizens.
112 - a mute Community telephone
15 Jul 2008
Eleftherotypia News - This article reviews the recent activities related to 112 in the EU and the creation of the EENA Advisory Board to work on all aspects of this issue.
Read ArticleLaunch of an information campaign on 112 in Belgium
15 Jul 2008
The Minister of Interior Patrick Dewael launched an information campaign on 112 in Belgium. In July and August, 112 information materials will be available in tourist areas such as stations and aiports.
Telecoms package: better protection for users' rights
15 Jul 2008
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - Access to the European emergency number 112 via electronic communications, more transparent information on access and use of content on internet as well as on operators' tariffs, portable numbers when changing operator and a clearer definition of the principle of network neutrality: these are the main points of the report adopted on Monday by the EP Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection as part of the "telecoms package".
New car CO2 targets will reduce emissions and cut motorists' running costs
11 Jul 2008
UK - Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has launched a consultation on European Comission proposals to introduce compulsory CO2 targets for new cars to reduce carbon emissions, make cars more fuel efficient and cut the running costs of new cars.
Read ArticleCommission adopts proposal for directive on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare
11 Jul 2008
As part of the Renewed Social Agenda, the Commission adopted today a proposal for a directive to facilitate the application of European patients' rights in relation to cross-border healthcare, as well as a Communication on improving co-operation between Member States in this area.
Read ArticleEU plans cross-border healthcare
09 Jul 2008
The European Commission has unveiled a healthcare package designed to make it easier for patients to get medical treatment elsewhere in the EU.
European Parliament: Overwhelming YES vote for Intelligent Cars
08 Jul 2008
In its plenary session of 19 June 2008, the European Parliament voted almost unanimously in favour of MEP Zita Gurmai's report on Intelligent Cars. Out of 428 votes cast, 417 were in favour, 6 against and 5 abstentions. This demonstrates overwhelming support from MEPs to the Commission's Intelligent Car Initiative, which aims at safer, smarter and greener cars.
Read Article“Safe Road Use” programme
26 Jun 2008
Police officers, road safety experts and educationalists met at the headquarters of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Glasgow to agree and progress a national "Safe Road Use" programme.
Read Article30 major organisations support Europe’s eCall efforts
04 Jun 2008
The European Emergency Number Association (EENA) will form a new Advisory Board reinforcing the advocacy organisation's leading role as the "Voice of 112" in the European Union.
Read Article
112 Event at European Commission
03 Jun 2008
Today the European Commission and the European Parliament jointly held a public event to call awareness towards the 112 european emergency number. This phone number can be used within 26 European countries to reach emergency help.
Read ArticleUS Senate to debate bill to clear emissions legislation
16 May 2008
The US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plans to take up a bill that would grant California and 16 other US states the power to impose their own vehicle emissions standards.
Read ArticleGreen light for Galileo
30 Apr 2008
Galileo launched the second experimental satellite GIOVE-B on April 26, 2008. The first experimental satellite of the In-Orbit-Validation Element (GIOVE) started in December 2005.
Read Article“School run” drivers to be charged
30 Apr 2008
Richmond-upon-Thames Council tries a scheme to charge drivers on basis of their cars' CO2 emissions for parking outside schools. Up to £75 a year have to be paid for cars with high CO2 emissions.
Read Article
Congestion Pricing for Manhattan gets Nowhere
08 Apr 2008
ALBANY, N.Y. - The state Assembly has rejected New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to charge a fee to drive into parts of Manhattan. The ambitious plan for congestion pricing died today in a private conference room on the third floor of the State Capitol.
Read Article