Say no to pre-1960 MOT exemptions

Classics Monthly urges enthusiasts to reject ‘Trojan Horse’ legislation regarding proposed MOT exemptions.

Exemption would allows cars off the road for years to be driven without an MOT inspection

It seems like a great idea, especially in the current economic climate – saving the cost of the annual MOT test if your vehicle was first registered before 1960.

However, the proposed change in the law being offered by the Department of Transport is likely to have further consequences for owners if successful. Scratch the surface of saving the annual MOT test fee (circa £45) and the very real possibility is that such an exemption could leave classic vehicles open to far more expensive options for being on the road.

For example, would insurance companies underwrite vehicles of unknown mechanical and structural condition without an independent assessment and report? Would you want to buy a classic knowing it hasn’t been independently tested annually? Would you want a restored car back on the road without the quality of the work being objectively checked? What would public reaction be should such a vehicle be involved in a fatal accident?

Some enthusiasts see the proposal as a back door method for legislating against classic vehicles in the long term by imposing eventual restrictions on use as witnessed in Europe.

CM’s editor, Gary Stretton has urged enthusiasts not to welcome in this ‘Trojan Horse’ legislation. “I’m opposed to the proposal. Ensuring well-intentioned but naive enthusiasts don’t put death-traps on the road and those of us who should know better don’t take risks with others’ lives is of huge importance. The MOT test is a great leveller and I’m glad for that. It’s not about the value of the car you own, it’s about our values as owners. Are we blind enough to grab a £45 saving on MOT tests only to be at the mercy of insurance premiums and possible legislation restricting use? What price a life? £45? I don’t think so. We should be looking out for ourselves and for other road-users, not buying into blinkered cost-cutting selfishness. It’s Trojan Horse legislation that should be rejected by the UK’s historic vehicle enthusiasts.”

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This entry was posted on Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.