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Electronic Stability Control for Light Commercial Vehicles –Details-Stage Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

 On 22 October 2013, the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development introduced a requirement through Australian Design Rules 31/03 and 35/05  under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to be fitted to new light commercial vehicles (LCVs).  ESC will be mandated from 2015 for new vehicle models and 2017 for all new vehicles.  ESC is already mandatory for light passenger vehicles. ESC is an advanced vehicle stability system that works by automatically braking individual wheels to help the driver steer in the intended direction during a skid.  Research has shown that ESC in LCVs is likely to be around 30 per cent effective at averting single vehicle crashes. Benefit cost analysis shows that, even in the presence of high predicted fitment rates, there is a case for mandating ESC for LCVs, which would provide a reduction in road trauma estimated at 29 lives saved over a 15 year regulation period, with around $79 million in net benefits.  The cost for vehicle manufacturers is estimated at around $51 million.   A details-stage RIS was prepared and certified by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.  The RIS contains an adequate level of analysis and meets the best practice regulation requirements.