Mixed
views on relaxing MOT test requirements for classic cars
Classic
Car Weekly, the best selling classic car publication in the
UK, claims its survey of classic car clubs "has shown almost
universal opposition" to plans to abolish MOT testing for
pre-1960 cars. This
contrasts with the views of over 4,000 participants in a survey
carried out by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs
(FBHVC) which indicated general support for the DfT proposals.
What
do you feel about the proposed relaxation of the MOT test requirements
for pre-1960s cars? - please post your views on the V8 Bulletin
Board. More
See our earlier NEWS reports on this topic. More
Posted: 230312
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| FHBVC
survey - views of 4,000 survey participants |
|
74%
|
wished
to see MOT testing requirements for historic
vehicles relaxed |
|
59%
|
supported
the Government's preferred option of exempting
all pre-1960 vehicles |
|
71%
|
believed
historic vehicles in commercial use should
be subject to testing even if other pre-1960
vehicles are exempt but 14% said commercial
use should make no difference to the testing
requirements |
|
53%
|
would
take their vehicles for an MOT test on a voluntary
basis if this could be done but 33% said they
would not seek a voluntary MOT test. |
Dave
Hurley, the legislation director at the FBHVC,
is reported as saying "the three months
consultation period (for the DfT consultation
on the MOT relaxation proposals) was inadequate
for the Federation to gain feedback on these
wider proposals. It was decided to gauge the
views of enthusiasts by means of an online
FBHVC survey and full details were given in
our last newsletter, on our website and in
the press."
See our NEWS item on this topic in February
2012. More |
|
Classic
Car Weekly survey of leading classic car clubs
CCW reports its survey "has shown almost universal
opposition to the Government's proposals" and
virtually everyone CCW spoke with is against the
proposed changes, including members from clubs which
are affiliated to the FBHVC. CCW say "we asked
the clubs do you agree with the plans to abolish
MOT testing for pre-1960 cars?" The response
they report from Chris Seaward at our Club Office
(MG Car Club) was the general consensus of opinion
within our club seems to be that people are against
any changes to the MOT dates. Obviously this in
contrast to the results of the FBHVC survey."
Comment
CCW's survey was of representatives of classic car
clubs whereas the FBHVC survey had a wider sweep
including owners of cars who were members of affiliated
clubs. Nevertheless the variance between the two
surveys is substantial so what might be the factors
influencing that spread of views?
Human nature is always keen on saving an expense?
Well first of all anyone offered the prospect of
not having an annual expense of typically over £50
and the effort of taking a car for an annual MOT
test in inclined to feel that is a saving worth
supporting. But those enthusiasts, typically those
who take a greater interest in classic cars and
are on club committees and consequently able to
talk with fellow committee members with experience
of matters like this, may as a consequence have
a view which reflects a grasp of a wider set of
concerns and longer term strategic issues. We have
previously highlighted the "unintended consequences"
risk - that is once historic or classic cars are
identified as a separate group of vehicles then
there is a clear risk measures might be introduced
by way of controls over the use of these vehicles
or specific adverse taxation. This is not fanciful
scaremongering as we have seen the registration
procedures for imported cars, restrictions on modifications
and other controls applied to "historic"
cars in other European countries.
An annual MOT is a good discipline. In addition
there are real benefits in having a vehicle tested
annually - that discipline is good because
with many classic cars maintained by enthusiasts
with varying degrees of technical knowledge and
skill, a thorough examination of the car provides
a valuable check on key safety issues plus of course
the owner is more likely to "service and prepare"
their car ahead of the test either themselves or
by a specialist.
What do you feel about the proposed relaxation
of the MOT test requirements for pre-1960s cars?
- please post your views on the V8 Bulletin Board.
More |
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