North Wales Police warns of rise in accidental 999 calls from car SOS buttons
North Wales Police is urging motorists to learn how their vehicle’s built-in emergency call system works, after a rise in accidental 999 calls.
The technology, known as eCall, has been fitted to all new cars since 2018 and is designed to automatically contact emergency services after a serious collision.
Call handlers say a growing number of drivers are pressing the SOS button by mistake, or using it for non-emergency situations such as breakdowns.
Every SOS call is treated as a potential emergency until confirmed otherwise, meaning it takes priority over other work in the control room.
North Wales Police says this can divert resources away from genuine incidents.
The SOS button should only be used for road traffic collisions, medical emergencies requiring urgent help, or situations where there is an immediate risk to life or safety.
It is not designed for breakdown support or general roadside assistance.
Drivers whose vehicle breaks down should contact their breakdown provider or insurer, or use a designated roadside assistance service.
The force says 999 should only be called if a driver is in immediate danger, such as being stranded in a live traffic lane.
Motorists are encouraged to find out where the SOS button is in their own vehicle so it is not pressed by accident.
If the system is triggered in error, drivers should stay on the line and tell the call handler, so officers are not sent out unnecessarily.
North Wales Police Deputy Call Centre Manager Peris Hatton said:
“eCall technology plays a vital role in helping emergency services respond quickly to serious collisions and save lives.”
“However, it’s important that it’s used correctly.”
“Accidental or inappropriate use places additional demand on our control room and can delay our response to those who genuinely need urgent help.”
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