Uber adopts tough new safety regulations, cracking down on shoddy, outdated cars

Uber passengers are set to see a change to their rides as the ride-share giant today puts its drivers on notice ahead of a new crackdown. Here’s what you can expect.

Uber drivers are on notice as the ride-sharing service phases out older, more dangerous models

Uber drivers in shoddy and outdated cars are on notice from today, as the rideshare giant adopts tough new safety regulations.

Over the next two years, Uber will phase out older and more dangerous models so all its drivers’ vehicles have an Australasian New Car Assessment Program five-star rating.

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Governments and large companies nationwide are upgrading car fleets in a push to bring down the road toll.

About two-thirds of drivers and passengers killed on Victorias roads die in vehicles built more than a decade ago, according to Transport Accident Commission figures.

Uber users will enjoy rides in newer car models. File image: Daniel Wilkins

Uber’s Lucas Groeneveld said that from October, all new vehicles signed up to the app would need the highest possible ANCAP ranking.

Drivers already registered on the Uber app will be given time to adjust to the new standard, but must ensure that their car has the highest safety rating within two years.

Mr Groeneveld said: “Since 1993, ANCAP has set the standard for vehicle safety in Australia. Over one million vehicles, or 95 per cent of new cars sold in Australia in 2017/18, were ANCAP-rated.

“ANCAP’s work on encouraging the uptake of new vehicle safety features and technologies has made a real difference. Australian consumers are leading the way on choosing safe vehicles.”

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He said there was always more to do to improve road safety and “we’re proud to help ANCAP continue sending a powerful message about the importance of vehicle safety technology across Australia”.

ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin said the announcement was a welcome step toward improving standards of the nation’s car fleet.

“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,” Mr Goodwin said.

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