Abstract: A control device for controlling a restraint belt retractor, comprises a latch portion, a cable with a first end arranged to be joined to the latch portion and a second end arranged to be operatively associated with the restraint belt retractor, the latch portion being movable between a first position in which the cable is arranged to maintain the restraint belt retractor in a locked position and a second position in which the cable is arranged to maintain the restraint belt retractor in a released position, a displacement portion for displacing the latch portion between the first and second positions, the latch portion being biased toward the first position, a suspension portion for suspending the latch portion at or near the second position for a predetermined period of time, thereby to permit operation of the restraint belt retractor in the released position.