Nov 4

Written by: admin
04/11/2011 12:27 

On Thursday 3rd November the Department For Transport announced new rules for all owners of Classic Cars and Motorbikes bought before 1960. The proposal to exempt such vehicles from an annual MOT test was made based on the fact that classic cars are well maintained by their owners. As a result of the high level of engine maintenance, rust-proofing and road worthiness, classic cars are reported to have a much lower accident and MoT failure rate than newer cars.

This is all part of the Government's commitment to cutting unnecessary red tape. This new proposal would exempt private vehicles manufactured before 1960 from a MoT test, thereby reducing costs for owners.

Many of the features of the MoT test are not suitable for classic vehicles built more fifty years ago. However, owners of such vehicles will still be legally required to ensure that their cars are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road.

These changes are being taken forward separately from the Department for Transport's main MOT review.
The consultation starts today and closes on 26 January 2012. The consultation document can be found here: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations.

Interesting statistics
• Vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1960 make up about 0.6% of the total number of licensed vehicles in Great Britain (GB), but are involved in just 0.03% of road casualties and accidents.
• Evidence shows that the initial MoT test failure rate declines by the age of vehicle after the vehicle is 13 years old.

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