The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is safe for now with the $2.2 million boost that was announced in Melbourne yesterday by the Australian Government.
According to the media release by Hon. Jamie Briggs MP, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the financial boost provided by the Government further reconfirms the Government’s commitment to safer vehicles.
“The 2014–15 Budget commits $1.1 million to support ANCAP in 2014–15 and 2015–16, delivering federal funding for the next two years. ANCAP is Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, providing buyers with vehicle safety information and encouraging manufacturers to provide the safest vehicles possible,” Mr Briggs said.
“With Australian Government support and funding, ANCAP has increased its ratings coverage to 95% of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold in Australia. The Australian Government is committed to working with organisations like ANCAP to raise awareness of road safety and to reduce death and injury on our roads through safer vehicles, safer roads and safer drivers.”
The general opinion was that funding for the program would either be reduced or cut, due to the current condition of the car manufacturing industry.
The good news was welcomed by ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.
“It is reassuring to see this new Government continue to recognise the significance of safer vehicles and the important, independent role ANCAP plays in vehicle safety through its continued investment in our program. The commitment to continue at least for a further two years will complement the ongoing commitments from all stakeholders,” he said in a statement.
“ANCAP is the foundation stone for the Safer Vehicles pillar in the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety and in Australia’s National Road Safety Strategy. The continuation of federal funding underscores the important role vehicle safety plays in reducing road trauma. This is of particular relevance during this Decade of Action as we strive to meet a 30%, or greater, reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2020.”
Mr McIntosh further added that the funding will be used for advancing the vehicle safety assessment in line with the rapid growth of active safety technologies.
“Manufacturers recognise and accept the value of the ANCAP process in encouraging new car buyers including fleet managers, to look for and buy the safest cars available. As we see more and more imported cars entering our market, the continued role of ANCAP as the only independent organisation providing detailed safety comparisons is essential,” Mr McIntosh concluded.
