Modified
classic cars could fail the new safety tests
Posted:
161123 |  | The
EU Roadworthiness Directive, and how the Department for Transport has handled
the public consultation over the proposals to implement the EU directive, is causing
something which is approaching alarm by the Federation for British Historic Vehicle
Clubs. Their concern is the DfT will adopt an over-rigid interpretation of EU-led
proposals which seem heavily influenced by German-style of very rigid vehicle
originality specifications and what the DfT do not appear to realise is the UK
is a very different culturally.
The FBHVC feels that with modifications
the UK Government should not be arbiters of authenticity but instead should focus
on road safety and compliance with road safety so far as classic cars are concerned.
In
a very firm letter to the DfT, the FBHVC highlights a number of problems with
the DfT's handling of the matter - for example, following EU Directives to the
letter and offering little or no acknowledgment of Brexit. | German-style
historic class
In Germany and Austria classic cars can get an H plate
to signify they are an historic car. Registering as an historic car attracts lower
road tax and insurance, particularly for a large engined car like an MGV8, but
to do so cars have to meet stricter rules: they must have been registered for
at least 30 years, must be "mostly" in their original condition (other
than some in-period modifications) and they must not have any modern modifications
except mods which benefit safety or emissions. So clearly V8 Roadsters would hit
a brick wall in terms of compliance with that rigid style of classification. |
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