35 replies to this topic

[aceadvice]

I don't think it really matters what the exact proposals are,

There's a powerful group of well connected lobbyists who seem to have the ear of the legislators. They represent a narrow band of the car enthusiast scene; the rest of us need to speak up if we want our views taken in to account, now or in the future.

The zoologists have a saying that "one chimp isn't a chimpanzee at all", meaning they are social animals and need a social group to be what they meant to be.

To paraphrase, "an unmodified Mini isn't a Mini at all". At least, it would be a much poorer scene if they were.

Absolutely spot on Ethel...
If 'We' don't start making our voice heard we'll be drowned out by those who are.

Thank you, that cuts direct to the point. Many get tied down in the minutia of any given press release from ACE rather than the entire overview...if we don't speak we can't be heard.

We are not after sending pointless petitions at every little possible change of law but this proposal is a major problem. As 1960 Zody put above it will form the basis for so much future legislation that it needs to be RIGHT . No point trying to chagne this stuff after it comes in, all you'll get is " Why didn't you speak up earlier ?" . That is what we are trying to do.

[Ethel]

I can agree with that,

It's easy to be jaded by the many internet campaigns, but this does seem to be a key issue for any car enthusiast. Defining what cars are worthy of special status will effect every bit of future regulation - it might seem irrelevant now, but it could be too late when they are talking about new regulations that will have a real effect.

You don't have to approve or disapprove of the proposals "hang on a minute, if this effects us you should know what we think too" is the point to be made.


There are some unsavoury assumptions from FIVA,

Factory originals aren't the only aspect with a history to preserve. I think it's also verging on the slanderous to use terms like "fake" when talking about cars that don't fit in with their agenda. I can only assume they are thinking of perfectly legitimate kitcars like the Cobra styled models.

[aceadvice]

Just to show that it IS true here is a reply from MEP posted on another forum .


"Thank you for your email regarding FIVA’s presentation to the Second Meeting of the European Parliament’s Historic Vehicles Group.

My Conservative colleague Malcolm Harbour was present at this presentation at the regular breakfast meeting of MEPs at which issues relating to historic vehicles are discussed. This is an important forum and indicates how seriously issues relating to older vehicles are considered by MEPs.

The proposal for a standard form of “historic vehicles” definition is linked to concessions in a number of EU countries on vehicle excise duty and annual safety and emission testing. There is a view that a common approach might be beneficial and also encourage those countries who do not yet have such concessions to make them available. An agreed definition might also resolve issues related to differing treatment of customs duties on imported “historic” vehicles.

However, the case for a harmonised definition to be used as a standard by EU Member States in their domestic legislation has not yet been made and the idea remains at the discussion stage.

None of the MEPs present considered that the adoption of an agreed definition of an historic vehicle would discriminate in any respect against “older” vehicles that might not meet this classification. There was certainly no discussion about any “restrictions” to be imposed on the use of vehicles over 30 years old that would prevent their use as a means of daily transport.

As far as we are aware, this is not on the policy agenda of the European Union, and there would be strong objections from the MEPs involved to such a plan. We will, however, ask for further assurances from the European Commission in this respect.

As you may be aware, the UK Government will shortly be consulting on a possible test exemption for older vehicles. However, the Transport Minister Mike Penning has made it clear that restrictions on use would not be part of any test concession arrangements. I can assure you that the UK Conservative MEPs would not agree to any EU proposals that would impose usage restrictions on well maintained older vehicles that meet the annual vehicle testing requirements for safety and environmental performance.

Yours sincerely,

Geoffrey Van Orden MEP "

Bear in mind all this i sopen to discussion still and FIVAs proposals still exclude modified cars, vehicles not meeting their strict criteria , and those regularly driven ( the latter also FBHVCs standpoint ).

[CMcB]

I can assure you that the UK Conservative MEPs would not agree to any EU proposals that would impose usage restrictions on well maintained older vehicles that meet the annual vehicle testing requirements for safety and environmental performance.

Good ol' Tories.

[aceadvice]

I can assure you that the UK Conservative MEPs would not agree to any EU proposals that would impose usage restrictions on well maintained older vehicles that meet the annual vehicle testing requirements for safety and environmental performance.

Interesting statement, what about the proposals for no MOT for pre '65 vehicles ? It's usually not in what they say but what they DON'T say.

[Ethel]

I'm not convinced by such assurances. When we have a definition it's then available to any body that wants something convenient to hang their regulations on. We have lanes for buses & taxis, no coaches in outside lanes, old diesels banned from central London, all regulated by different authorities, only because they are all defined as distinct classes of vehicle.