7 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Will MoT exemption for classic cars be extended? Will your modified classic no longer be legal?
There are concerns that Europe-wide legislation could make this a reality.......
"European-wide legislation looks set to shake up the MOT system in the UK in the coming years – and if current thinking within the working group comes to pass, then the in-built flexibility of the UK system, which allows certain modifications to road cars, will no longer be allowed."

"The UK attitude to MoT tests on modified cars has traditionally been a sensible one – and it’s basically this. If you have modifications to your car, then as long as they adhere to Road Traffic Act regulations, then they are acceptable for the test. So, if you fit discs to your 1960s Mini or 15in alloys to your MG Maestro 1600, then you could be potentially driving into a whole lot of MoT pain in years to come, regardless of whether the modification makes your car safer or not.
John Ball fears that the consultation process is being dominated by certain countries, which currently favour the approach that all cars should be OE spec, and must not deviate from this."

More details on AROnline:
http://www.aronline....d-for-classics/

Edited by mab01uk, 01 August 2012 - 10:53 PM.

[Mini 360]

Nothing like a good scare monger :)

[myredmini]

What a load of *beeeeep*

[mab01uk]

Nothing like a good scare monger :)

Probably what was said by some classic enthusiasts in Belgian a couple of years back about new registration proposals.........

Quote:
"In Belgium we had a new registration system introduced nearly 2 years ago which means we can’t no longer keep our old reg numbers and now we are issued with huge plates that totally ruin the appearance of classic cars. There are no provisions to get period related regs, nothing. Our classic cars can be fully Moted and then issued with a “normal” reg (something now starting with 1-DRA-725 or similar) and usable as everyday cars or get through a basic test and be issued with an “oldtimer reg such as this example “1-OBE-467″.That means we can only use the cars in a 25 km radius from home (question is what happens when the car is garaged elsewhere from where you live!), only for tests, we can’t take such a car to go to work or shopping, can’t really use it unless for duly approved meetings by the local federation of clubs. Which means not a lot, of course! Some police officers are real ******* and stop people driving “O” reg cars, check you haven’t been to the local Tesco’s and that there are no bags with food inside… I know a guy whose number plate was taken off the car, he got fined and had to call a rescue truck to get the car home!"

[Ethel]

• ‘roadworthiness test’ means a verification that the parts and components of a vehicle comply with its safety and environmental characteristics in force at the time of approval, first registration or entry into service, as well as at the time of retrofitting

This seems entirely sensible and very close to the current situation.

[Cooperman]

On a more positive note the classic car movement in this country is far, far larger than in Belgium and our 'lobby' is so much stronger. Thousands of jobs depend on classic cars here and the impact of such restrictive legislation would be huge.
That's no reason to be complacent, of course, but the FBHVC are on to this and will fight our corner.
Those who were advocating a rolling 25-year tax exemption are playing into the hands of those who want more restrictions on genuine classics.
More restrictions will probably come, but in terms of specifications only those classics with what may be regarded as 'non-period' modifications should be concerned. Thus a 1961 Mini with 4-pot vented disc brakes, an A+ 1275 engine, 13" wheels, etc, is not really a period classic and will probably not be considered as such.

[surfblue63]

In Germany they have Low Emmissions Zones were certain vehicles are banned.

http://www.tuev-nord...n_Zone_8648.htm

Low Emission Zone/ Environmental Badges in Germany
For the improvement of air quality in zones with particular exposure to fine particles, such as city centres, some main roads or traffic junctions, local authorities and cities in Germany are decreeing a traffic ban.
The first “environmental zones“ were established on January 1st 2008, further zones with follow over the course of the next year. These environmental zones can be identified by road signs and only vehicles bearing an environmental badge may drive there.
Here we have compiled a list of the most important questions and answers regarding the topic of emissions stickers.
What kinds of different stickers are available?
Emissions stickers are available in red, yellow and green according to the particulate emission of your vehicle. Green means that you can drive carefree in all environmental zones throughout Germany.
All petrol-driven cars with an exhaust emission standard of Euro 1 or equivalent receive a green sticker. Vehicles without an emissions sticker are not permitted to drive in any low emission/ environment zone.
Where can I get a sticker and how do I know which one I need?
Stickers can be purchased from all TÜV stations. A TÜV expert will be able to tell you which badge you need from your vehicle registration certificate. Here you will find the vehicle key that will provide you with information concerning emission class. You can either purchase the sticker at a TÜV STATION or order it from our web site.
Where are emissions stickers valid?
The emissions stickers are valid throughout Germany. You can find all current environment zones on our web page.
Will I have to renew the sticker?
No, the validity period of the sticker is unlimited. You will only have to renew the sticker if you move house and acquire a new licence plate. The licence plate number must be the same as the number on the emissions sticker.
What happens if I drive in an low emission/ environmental zone without a sticker?
This is a regulatory offence and costs 40 Euros. If you possess a German driving licence you will additionally incur 1 point, which will be registered at the Federal Office of Motor Transport.
What if I come from another country? Do I still need a sticker?
If you come from another country and drive in or through identified environmental zones then your vehicle must have an emissions sticker. You can acquire one of these at your nearest TÜV STATION or from a TÜV partner establishment, or alternatively you can order it from our website.

[Ethel]

We already emissions surcharges in London & Edinburgh, I don't see the model changing into a complete ban. It also seems fair, if we are to have concessions to preserve historic vehicles, that they only apply to vehicles kept in an historically accurate condition. Saying you'd lose your free tax disc for those 4 pot calipers is a different issue to saying you can't fit them at all. That "roadworthiness test" I quoted from Mab's link wouldn't stop you. Fitting S discs might, if they decided to take issue with modifying your brakes without meeting the current requirement for dual circuit hydraulics.