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I received an email from my MP the other day with a link to an article which suggests that the EU proposals for classic cars have been knocked back and all is well in our world again.
The article is in the Telegraph.
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This is an email I received today.
Dear Mr. Frankland, You wrote to your MP Mr James Wharton on 27 August to share your concerns on the European Commission's proposed new regulation on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles. As Conservative MEP for the North East in the European Parliament, James has asked me to respond to your email. The proposed regulation, which is part of the 'Roadworthiness Package', was submitted to the European Parliament during the summer recess. It has not yet been considered, or even studied, by the Parliament's Transport Committee. When the Transport Committee has reached its view of this proposed regulation, the matter will be referred back to the European Commission and the Council of Ministers, which comprises national Transport Ministers from around the EU. I realise this process is very bureaucratic and I do not expect a decision on this proposal before the end of 2013. I am seriously concerned that this is yet further interference by the EU in matters which, certainly in the case of the United Kingdom, have been handled perfectly well until now. I do not believe that roadworthiness testing should relate to modifications, alterations or improvements to vehicles. Most historic vehicles will have been modified at some stage and so testing against its original characteristics, as the proposal suggest, is simply unworkable. I shall be making robust arguments to the Parliament on these issues. Speaking personally, I am an enthusiast for historic vehicles, having owned a 1961 Ford Popular and a 1974 Triumph Stag. I therefore fully understand the problem caused by this proposal and I will do all I can to oppose it. You will be able to follow the progress of the proposal through the web site of the European Parliament. If you have any further comments that you would like to bring to my attention, please feel free to contact me again. In the meantime, I am pleased that the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has confirmed that it has submitted comments to the Department for Transport. I would urge you to also contact your Member of Parliament in Westminster, if you have not already done so. With best wishes Yours sincerely, Martin Callanan MEP for North East England Chairman, European Conservatives and Reformists Group Whilst it is encouraging that Mr Callanan is opposed to this proposal and will argue against it, he is but one voice amongst many. It needs everybody with an interest in classic and modified cars to make a noise about it. Contact your MEP, MP and anybody else who will listen. The online petition is here. It beeds 100,000 signatures to force the issue before the House of Parliament. It won't make that figure if you don't sign it! The more I read this the more confused I become. The proposal states -
The goal of roadworthiness testing is to check the functionality of safety components, the environmental performance and the compliance of a vehicle with its approval. The safety and environmental parts are what we have in the UK at present. The compliance with the vehicles approval is the new part. Each vehicle has a statement of conformity from the manufacturer, its type approval. This states that the vehicle meets all the requirements to allow it to be sold to joe public. If you have a modified car, it no longer meets the type approval and so must fail the test. Historic vehicles have an exemption from the test provided that they meet the following requirements. It was manufactured at least 30 years ago, – It is maintained by use of replacement parts which reproduce the historic components of the vehicle; – It has not sustained any change in the technical characteristics of its main components such as engine, brakes, steering or suspension and – It has not been changed in its appearance Fair enough if you have a standard historic car which hasn't been modified in any way, but how many have such a beast? Even fitting later, better brakes to a car means that it has been modified and is the excluded from the exemption and has to be tested. Because it has been modified it doesn't meet type approval and so must fail the test. If my interpretation is wrong I'll hold my hand up, but I don't think I'm far off the mark. There is an epetition live. Please sign it. It needs at least 100,000 signatutes to force a debate in the House of Commons. A poor show will not help the case against this proposal. The EU has proposals to restrict any modification of cars from the original spec and already modified cars will become illegal.
The full details can be found here. This is a long and wordy document with cross references to other documents and as such is typical of the EU in that it makes full understanding difficult. Proposals similar to this have been around for a while and they won't go away without a fight. Each time one is announced, people complain and it goes quiet. Everybody thinks that's it. When the proposal is reannounced most people think it won't happen as the last one was defeated (or so they thought). Fewer protest each time until finally nobody protests and the deal is done. It's a bit like water dripping on a stone. At first the stone resists but is eventually worn down. Don't think it won't happen. I urge you, if you have any interest in classic cars to contact your MP and your MEP. If you have press contacts, please get them on board. This must be stopped. According to research by The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs the UK market is huge and this doesn't take into account all the other car modifiers.
I've written to my MP and here is his reply. I have highlighted the most worrying comment from him. Basically once this is passed the UK Government have virtually no powers to change it. It must not be passed. Thank you for your email. Having looked over the document link you sent and the contents of your email I do understand your concerns. Most worryingly the European Commission appears to want to do this as a regulation (rather than directive) which would mean very limited scope for the UK government to do anything about its implementation once passed. This means that by the time this matter reaches the UK our MPs have no power to amend it (just one of the many problems with the EU!) As such I have today written to the Europe Minister, David Liddington MP, and our Conservative MEP for the North East, Martin Callanan MEP, making them aware of this issue. I will pass on to your what responses I receive (this can take around 6 weeks for the Minister) and we can then look at what further steps should be taken on your behalf and that of so many historic and modified vehicles owners. I have also written to my MEP but as yet have had no reply. Please, I urge you to join all those who have any interest in older cars, modified or not to spread the word (many are unaware of this) and protest to your MPs and MEPs. I found out about this here where there is more information and a link to a forun discussing this serious matter |
AuthorHi, I'm Owen and I've been having fun with MGs since 1970, starting with my 1937 MGTA. Since then I've had three Y types and a couple of Z Magnettes. I now have a 1971 MGB GT along with the TA and my wife and I are still having fun Archives
September 2020
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