DIALLING '112' MUST NO LONGER BE EUROPE'S BEST KEPT SECRET
May 1, 2009 12:00 AM
What number do you call if you're British and need an ambulance on holiday in Greece , if you've been involved in a road traffic accident in Poland , or if your house is on fire in Spain ?
Dialling 112 instantly connects holidaymakers in need of urgent assistance to the nearest fire, police or ambulance service of their chosen destination in Europe, free of charge. Yet only 1 in 4 people within the EU have heard of this vital European emergency number.
With many British holidaymakers heading abroad for a quick holiday because of the three day weekend, the North East's MEP Fiona Hall is reminding them that although it might be hard to remember the emergency number of the country they are holidaying in, there is an easier alternative.
Lib Dem Fiona now believes that the government need to address this issue in order to ensure the safety of British holidaymakers heading abroad.
Fiona said: "112 is only effective if people are aware of the number's existence and its benefits. EU rules have required Member States to ensure that all fixed and mobile phone users can call 112 free of charge for over ten years now, but much more needs to be done to make sure travellers realise that 112 equals 999.
"Raising awareness of the single European emergency number could help save not only the lives of British tourists abroad but also European citizens visiting the UK . 112 must no longer be Europe's best kept secret."
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