MoT exemption for classic cars welcomed

The Government’s decision to make classic and historic vehicles exempt from yearly MoT tests has met with widespread approval.

From November this year, any vehicle manufactured before 1960 will no longer have to have to pass a compulsory MoT, though owners will have to ensure that the vehicle is in a “roadworthy condition.”

Roads Minister Mike Penning said the government was committed to cutting out red tape which cost motorists money “without providing significant overall benefits”.

“Owners of classic cars and motorbikes tend to be enthusiasts who maintain their vehicles well – they don’t need to be told to look after them, they’re out there in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork,” he said.

The change in legislation follows a campaign by the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group, led by East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight, who said he was “delighted” by the announcement.

“Accidents involving historic vehicles are extremely rare and the majority of owners are meticulous in keeping their vehicles in good condition. Having to have an annual MoT test for a vehicle which may only travel a few hundred miles in a year was costly and absurd.”

There are believed to be around 162,000 pre-1960 vehicles on Britain’s roads (0.6% of the total number of licensed vehicles) but they are involved in just 0.03% of road casualties and accidents and It is estimated that two thirds of the cars travel less than 500 miles a year.

AA president Edmund King said: “Cutting the red tape of an MoT requirement for classic pre-1960 cars is a victory for common sense.”

Author: Paul Wilkinson

automotive, Automotive News