The official launch date, November 13th 2012 for MOT exemption on pre 1960 vehicles draws closer, but many important questions still remain unanswered. Details of all pre 1960 vehicles will be withdrawn from the VOSA database, meaning that the results of any voluntary MoT service offered will not be recorded on the official VOSA database. This means that there will be no real benefit for continuation on a voluntary basis, as the results will be unavailable to Police or other official sources.
We have spent time reviewing the RIA (Regulatory Impact Assessment) document and several main items have been overlooked in their haste to meet the November deadline. No consideration has been given to the impact on Number plate dealer businesses, as without changes to current regulations, the bulk of their business will cease overnight. It is currently impossible to remove a VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) from a MoT exempt vehicle.
We have contacted several VRM dealer associations for their comments but it appears they have been unaware of how the Consultation would affect them and are still trying to get clarification from DVLA. ACE wishes them well with that endeavour.
ACE understands that for many Classic car owners non-transfer will be considered good news. However, it must not be forgotten that many entry-level Historic vehicles only get restored to enable a VRM transfer to take place. This will have a knock-on effect of depleting available vehicles and subsequent numbers required for ongoing parts supply.
The other more worrying concern is that even within the RIA document it is accepted that additional injuries and deaths WILL result from this change.
RIA link http://assets.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-27/ia.pdf
Page 22
See table 9, 10, 11 and 12
“On this basis, we assume that the number of pre-1960 manufactured vehicles with defects and consequently the number of road casualties and accidents caused by these vehicles would stabilise after increasing by half. “
Surely ANY increase in road traffic deaths and injuries should be wholly unacceptable?
We have also spoken with Specialist Insurance brokers and they are also undecided how these changes will affect premiums, but they do expect them to rise. They are also considering in-depth ’after accident’ investigations to ensure vehicles were roadworthy at time of use, or alternatively an Insurance approved Technical Inspection before insurance is granted. Current thoughts are that the AA and/or RAC would undertake these procedures.
Whatever is to change means that the Insurance companies need to make a decision about their own changes by October 13th as, by law, they have to advise their customers 4 weeks before any changes take place.
For those who are opposed to the removal of the annual MoT test for pre 1960 vehicles, Gary Stretton, editor of Classics Monthly, has started an on-line petition to make those voices heard.
Gary Stretton’s views may be found here
http://www.classicsmonthly.com/2012/05/28/pre-1960-mot-exemption-nine-reasons-to-say-no/
and the online petition is here
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/34434
Be aware we will have some Important updates to this article very shortly