The European Union has amended its proposals with regard to the testing of both caravans and classic vehicles on UK roads that is great news for the classic car enthusiast.
MOT proposals changed that will benefit some classic car owners
The United Kingdom objected to the plans that, if passed, would have required caravans and trailers to be tested at MOT centres and would have impacted on some classic vehicle owners. As a result of the amendments made to the plans the owner of a classic car will not face the possibility of having their car banned from being driven on UK roads due to any modifications.
Stephen Hammond, who is the Road Safety minister for the UK government, was successful in obtaining the agreement to the amendments in Brussels having felt that the concessions made a great deal of sense as the original plans would have had a significant negative financial impact upon motorists and business owners in this country without reasonable justification.
Mr Hammond stated: “The concessions we have secured will ensure that cost burdens are kept as low as possible, enabling the UK to maintain its proven testing regime and high road safety standards while providing some additional safety benefits across the EU. I will strongly lobby the European Parliament to ensure these changes are delivered in the final directive.”
As a result of these amendments to the proposal testers at MOT centres will be permitted to still utilise their initiative in deciding if a vintage car that has been modified is both legal and safe to be driven. Originally, the intended plans would have meant that if a classic car or other classic vehicle had parts that it had not been registered with it would not have been allowed to have been driven on UK roads.
Had the original proposals been passed it is estimated it would have cost an additional £1 billion in additional MOT testing time and expenses whereas it is now forecast to cost £18 million.
