Stability law gets go-ahead

Euro bosses have warned all car manufacturers to get a grip!

They have confirmed a proposal to make Electronic Stability Control – known as ESC or ESP – compulsory on every new model sold in Europe from 2014. All commercial vehicles will have to have it fitted by 2012.

According to the Commission, the blanket policy could help prevent up to 4,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries every year on roads across Europe.

At present, less than half of new vehicles get the technology as standard. It’s an option on many models, although some can’t be specified with ESC at all.

The computerised system helps to improve a car’s stability and prevent dangerous skids. It works by detecting any loss of steering control and applying braking force at each corner to ‘steer’ the vehicle back on course. Some advanced set-ups also cut the engine’s power momentarily until the driver has regained control.

Research shows ESC can reduce accidents by more than 20 per cent in normal road conditions. On icy or wet surfaces, the reduction rate is closer to 40 per cent. At the same time, the EC wants all cars to be fitted with low-rolling-resistance rubber and tyre pressure monitors. The move is designed to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.