Public consultation is underway on a proposal to introduce mandatory electronic stability control (ESC) in new and used light vehicles entering the New Zealand fleet.
ESC is a low-cost vehicle safety technology that greatly reduces the risk of a crash resulting from a driver losing control of the vehicle.
Research carried out by the Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency indicates that if ESC were mandated in New Zealand, it could save 22 lives, prevent 102 serious injuries and prevent 400 minor injuries over the next 20 years.
Associate Minister of Transport Hon. Michael Woodhouse announced the Government’s intention to introduce mandatory requirements for ESC last month. The Transport Agency, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, is now seeking feedback on specific proposed changes to legislation to make ESC mandatory for new light vehicles (passenger and commercial) from 2015. For imported used light vehicles the changes would be phased in from 2016 to 2020.
The changes are not expected to significantly impact on the availability or cost of vehicles. Drivers can be reassured that the proposed changes won’t affect vehicles that don’t have ESC and are already on the road.
Changes to mandate ESC were identified as a road safety priority in the Government’s Safer Journeys – Road Safety Strategy to 2020.
The Transport Agency is leading the public consultation on Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes Amendment 2014 which would make the necessary changes to legislation to implement the ESC requirements.
Submissions close at 5pm on 22 April 2014.
For more information on this proposed amendment Rule, go to the Transport Agency website(external link).
For more information please contact:
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T: 04 894 6285
M: 021 276 3222
E: andrew.knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz
