The Australian Government has committed to fund the ANCAP safety rating program for a further five years.
Assistant Minster for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown confirmed the Government’s commitment during ANCAP’s 30th Anniversary commemorative celebrations.
The Australian Government will commit $16.3 million over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) to assist ANCAP in delivering and enhancing its independent passenger and light commercial vehicle safety test and rating program – including the prioritisation of ratings for electric vehicles.
The funding commitment will also assist ANCAP in expanding its influence to address road safety challenges among a broader range vehicle types and market segments through the testing and provision of consumer information for commercial vans and large utilities (pick-up trucks).
“The Government’s National Road Safety Strategy places ‘Safe Vehicles’ as a cornerstone to road safety improvement. Encouraging the prioritisation and proliferation of vehicle safety features and promoting consumer and fleet uptake of newer, greener and inherently safer vehicles, are clear actions identified in the NRSS and we’re proud to support ANCAP in delivering these objectives,” Brown says.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and this renewed commitment will have a direct impact on reducing the number of lives lost and serious injuries sustained on Australia’s roads,” she says.
Over the past three years, the value of ANCAP in enhancing the safety of the Australian vehicle fleet is conservatively estimated at $442.2 million. In 2021 alone, ANCAP’s influence in expediting the fitment of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and centre airbags can be attributed to the saving of nine lives and a reduction of 236 serious injuries.
“The Australian Government is a key contributor to ANCAP, and this renewed commitment will ensure the acceleration of road safety benefits for all Australians,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says.
The Australian Government is one of 21 member organisations that provide funding to ANCAP, and has demonstrated its commitment to the body since it became a contributing member in 2009. Support for ANCAP is also received through industry collaboration and the provision of test results from sister organisation, Euro NCAP.
ANCAP informs consumers of the differences in safety performance of new vehicles entering the Australian and New Zealand vehicle fleets, and it also advocates for improved vehicle safety design and specification through public education campaigns, advocacy activities and engagement with governments, corporate fleets, the media and consumers.
