Vehicle safety is a key component of the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy and the new Motorists' Forum will look to technology to help deliver safer, smarter and cleaner cars for drivers, passengers and for pedestrians. Super-minis were last tested in 1997 when only two models performed well enough to receive three stars and the rest scored just one or two. I urge car manufacturers to use the expertise already demonstrated in enhancing car occupant safety to improve matters for pedestrians as well. I am sure they will respond to this challenge. Notes for editors Euro NCAP provides comparative crash test information on new cars available in Europe.
Motorists are now able to choose between cars which offer different levels of safety.
Over 50 models have been tested since the programme started in early 1997 resulting in dramatic changes to overall car safety - manufacturers have often modified designs and brought forward improvements to score a higher safety rating. It also has funding from the European Commission. Super-minis were first tested in phase 1 of Euro NCAP in 1997 and these latest results are being released in two batches. The results of the next phase will be released later this year and will include updates of previously tested models as well as results for new models. The results will also be published in other European media.