The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has released the following statement with regard to the proposed European Roadworthiness Directive:
Meeting with Minister
Transport
Minister Stephen Hammond has met with historic vehicle campaigners to discuss
the proposed European Roadworthiness Directive.
Mr
Hammond met East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight, chair of the All Party Parliamentary
Historic Vehicles Group along with John Cryer MP, treasurer of the group, and
officers of the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs at the minister’s
office in the House of Commons to discuss concerns about the proposed new EU
Roadworthiness Directive.
There
are widespread concerns that requiring older cars to be in a largely ‘original’
state could mean that vehicles with up-rated brakes or an overdrive unit fitted
to the gearbox could fall foul of the new rules.
At
the meeting the Minister revealed that great progress had been made in the EU
discussions, which are on-going, and that he was now more optimistic and was
confident that there will be sufficient latitude in the EU wording to allow the
UK to adopt a reasonable and wide interpretation of the rules, so as not to
impinge on the use and enjoyment of historic vehicles in the UK.
“It
was a very positive meeting and the minister clearly has the interests of the
classic car owners at the forefront of his mind in these negotiations”, Greg Knight
said afterwards.
David
Whale, chairman of FBHVC, added: “Our meeting with the minister was indeed very
positive. Mr Hammond is taking a personal and pro-active position in the
negotiations with the EU and clearly wishes to achieve a successful outcome for
the owners of historic vehicles”.
