Fears classic cars face the end of road

Proposals by the EU to overhaul MOT rules, which will make modified vehicles illegal, have been attacked by local MEP Paul Nuttall.

The moves, involving major changes on how the roadworthiness of vehicles is assessed, will have dire consequences for classic car enthusiasts.

"And it is not just classic vehicles that will be in the firing line but any car with even minor modifications. These plans would lead to major changes to MOT rules in Britain and across Europe and doubtless push up the cost of tests," warned Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"This shake-up proposed by the European Commission would mean all vehicles must remain identical to when they left the factory.

"This latest Brussels drive could see many cars automatically failing their MOT test for having modifications such as improved brakes, big alloy wheels or just different windscreen wipers," he said.

Bodies such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) and the Association of Car Enthusiasts have attacked the proposals which they say could cost jobs and hit motorists in the pocket.

“The envisaged changes to the road licensing system would have massive implications for all motorists and the car industry as a whole. Millions of motorists spend billions of pounds a year modifying their cars as a hobby," said Mr Nuttall.

“Under the plans, a vehicle would automatically fail its MOT test if its ‘technical specifications’ was found to differ from the specification it had when it rolled off the production line.

"This is hardly achievable as over the last couple of decades many once prominent car manufacturers have disappeared and so the only parts available with which to maintain and use these cars are from alternative sources.

“The FBHVC is right to say these plans are pie-in-the-sky as modifications to vehicles, particularly older ones, are common and don't affect a car's safety.

“These proposals are an attack on motorists, classic car enthusiasts and the car industry. UKIP will be fighting against this issue in the European Parliament to put this latest EU drive in reverse,” he added.