Uber announces ANCAP policy
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 4th Apr 2019
RIDE-SHARING platform Uber Australia has announced it will follow in the footsteps of other major companies in introducing a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating requirement on all new vehicles from October.
For existing vehicles that do not comply with the five-star standard, drivers will have two years to adjust to the new safety requirements.
Existing requirements state that Uber vehicles must be less than 10 years old, in excellent working condition, have third-party insurance, and be re-inspected each year subject to state regulations.
The policy now brings it into line with Australian federal, state and territory government fleets and other major corporations who insist on five-star ratings for all company vehicles.
According to a recent poll, 84 per cent of consumers using a ride-share service would consider selecting a five-star-rated vehicle.
The overall safety of cars has risen markedly in recent years, with the share of five-star-rated new vehicles sold in Australian fleets rising from 48 per cent in 2012 to 90 per cent in 2018, while 95 per cent of new vehicles sold last year came with an ANCAP rating.
ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin said the decision for Uber to adopt its ANCAP policy was a savvy one.
“Ride-share services are a modern convenience, and this initiative shows strong leadership,” he said.
“Five-star safety is now the expected standard among Australian car buyers, and we should continue to expect that same high standard whenever we use a car.
“The introduction of this policy in Australia sees Uber join a wide range of major corporations, governments, local councils, and businesses which have adopted five-star vehicle purchase and use policies in Australia in recent years.”
Uber Australia head of driver Lucas Groevenveld said the new policy showed a commitment to the safety of its passengers.
“Uber is deeply committed to the safety of our customers, communities and everyone who shares the road,” he said.
“While we believe Uber’s technology has already helped to make transport safer, for example by ensuring no trip is anonymous and GPS tracking for every trip, we also believe there are ways we can help further improve road safety in Australia.”
