Imports lack safety device

Only 3 per cent of used cars imported from Japan have an anti-skidding device that could prevent dozens of deaths on New Zealand roads each year

Only 62 of almost 2000 Japanese imports on Auckland docks were fitted with electronic stability control.

The device costs just $500 to fit and is expected to become mandatory in Australia, Europe and the United States in the next two years.

A Transport Ministry spokesman said officials were considering making it compulsory here.

The ACC says compulsory stability control could cut the road toll of about 400 by 30 per cent.