Australian Government moves a step closer to make ESC compulsory

The Australian Government has adopted a new international regulation on electronic stability control (ESC). The regulation was signed by the Government at the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Standards in Geneva (WP.29), a working party inside the United Nations.

Australian's Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said: "International research has found this technology has the potential to be the greatest innovation since the seatbelt in saving lives and making our roads significantly safer''. The Government would now undertake a detailed examination of the case for mandating the technology through the Australian design rules, Mr Albanese said. "Within weeks, a regulation impact statement assessing the potential ramifications for industry and the wider community of an ESC mandate will be released for public consultation," he said. Legislation mandating stability control could be before parliament by the end of 2008.

The Australian state Victoria has already mandated the technology in all new cars from 2011 (click here for more information).