Concerns have been raised over the ageing of the Australian car fleet and the effect that this might have on occupant protection provided in crashes by these older vehicles. This paper outlines best estimates on the factors influencing occupant safety in older vehicles It also suggests research areas that need investigation to better quantity the expected safety effects of a younger fleet.

Investigations in other international countries show what has been achieved elsewhere when action has been taken to reduce the age of the passenger car fleet and the action necessary to implement the change. From the study several factors emerge that could be used to change the age mix of the fleet in Australia , and how this could be achieved by financial, regulatory or other action.

One section of the paper presents data on the present Australian passenger car fleet age. Another section investigates some of the many options available together with future scenarios and their broad impacts on fleet characteristics. Finally the policy options are outlined that reduce the age of the fleet plus a study to quantity the improvement with benefits to the community