Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC)

www.fbhvc.co.uk

See https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news for all FBHVC news

FBHVC position statement on the Future of Transport Regulatory Review

17/11/2021

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has been in dialogue with the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding the recently released proposals within the DfT’s Future of Transport Regulatory Review.

In particular, there were concerns raised by the historic vehicle community around the implied intent of the review to make it an offence to modify, remove or reduce the effectiveness of an existing vehicle system.

The preliminary view of the Legislation Committee of the FBHVC was that the consultation proposals that the DfT have put forward should be viewed in the context of a number of expected future developments in transport and any future legislation will be applicable to 'tomorrow’s vehicles'

The FBHVC used this opportunity to ask for confirmation that the principle of no retrospective effect would be maintained and to address the concerns over anti-tampering proposals. The Federation therefore sought assurances from the DfT on the following points:

a.    The DfT would follow the existing long policy principle that the revised regulations will  not have retrospective effect;
b.    The DfT would specifically not apply tampering provisions retrospectively, but confine them exclusively to 'tomorrow’s' vehicles;
c.    The DfT would consider a specific exemption provision in the regulations allied to the definition of historic vehicles.

The FBHVC has received a detailed written response from the DfT, who have given assurances that they do not intend their proposals to prevent legitimate motorsport activities, prevent restoration, repairs or legitimate improvements to vehicles, such as classic cars or motorbikes, or to negatively impact businesses involved in these activities. These assurances are reflected in the recent issue of an updated consultation paper on the DfT website.

The DfT also confirmed older vehicles will not be expected to comply with new type approval standards. The type of activities the DfT want to take more effective action against include tampering activities that prevent a vehicle’s emissions system from operating correctly and as vehicles become increasingly automated, to prevent alterations to a vehicle’s integral software and sensing technologies that create safety and security risks. For example, a badly modified 'autonomous vehicle' has the potential to kill its occupants and other road users. 

The prompt action by the FBHVC (as a formal stakeholder) has produced a preliminary response from the DfT that will offer reassurance to those who have expressed concerns about potentially damaging legislation. 

Clearly, any subsequent draft legislative proposals will have to be examined carefully. As a formal stakeholder, the FBHVC will be engaged in consultations on any future proposed legislation. The FBHVC will also be providing a full response to the Consultation to ensure that initial undertakings are maintained throughout the process.

See the full FBHVC Position Statement on the FBHVC website at:

FBHVC position statement on the Future of Transport Regulatory Review

Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Clarification on E10 Fuel Usage and Labelling for Historic Vehicle Owners

02/09/2021

After an After an extensive consultation process, the Department for Transport has introduced legislation to mandate E10 petrol as the standard 95-octane petrol grade from 1 September 2021; in Northern Ireland this will happen in early 2022.

They will also require the higher-octane 97+ ‘Super’ grades to remain E5 to provide protection for owners of older vehicles. This product will be designated as the ‘Protection’ grade

The change in fuel applies to petrol only. Diesel fuel will not be changing.

Petrol pumps now show new labels designating the grade, the maximum ethanol content and an advisory cautionary notice. Other information regarding the introduction of E10 petrol may also be provided by fuel retailers such as the ‘Know your Fuel’ sticker (shown at the foot of the press release article).

See the full FBHVC Press Release on the FBHVC website at:

FBHVC Clarification on E10 Fuel Usage and Labelling for Historic Vehicle Owners

Department for Transport (DfT) does not intend to amend UK law in respect of the Vnuk case

22/02/2021

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) welcomes the announcement from the Department for Transport that it does not intend to amend UK law to widen the requirement for insurance of motor vehicles to include activities on private land, which could have resulted from the decision of the European Court of Justice in respect of the 'Vnuk' case. The Vnuk incident occurred in Slovenia in 2007.

This would of course have had the effect of requiring widespread insurance of motorsport activities taking place on private land, for which motor insurance is not currently required.

The full extent of this requirement within the countries of the EU will not be clear until finalisation of revisions to the European Motor Insurance Directive, which are continuing.

However, the removal in the UK, as a result of the UK departure from the EU, of any risk to motor sport arising from high insurance premiums or, in some cases, possible refusal of insurance, comes as a relief to all of those participating in historic motor sport in the UK.

The FBHVC of course participated directly in discussions with the insurance industry and with Government when the issue first arose.

The FBHVC has also been active within FIVA in its efforts, which at the time of the UK departure from the EU were achieving a measure of success, supporting limitations of the harmful effects of the revised Motor Insurance Directive on our motor sporting friends within the EU.

See the full FBHVC Press Release on the FBHVC website at:

Department for Transport (DfT) does not intend to amend UK law in respect of the Vnuk case

See the DfT announcement at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-plan-to-scrap-eu-law-ensuring-british-drivers-avoid-50-a-year-insurance-hike

DVLA Changes to Laws on Number Plates with Black Background and Silver or White Characters

10/12/2020

The DVLA have requested that the FBHVC share their announcement about important changes, being introduced 01 January 2021, which affect the ability of vehicles registered in the Historic tax class to display the old style pre-1973 number plates with black background and silver or white characters.

Following the change in definition of a Historic Vehicle for vehicle tax exemption purposes in 2015, an issue was identified in the regulatory requirements for the valid display of number plates with black background and silver or white characters. This resulted in an unintended consequence where any vehicle over 40 years old and registered in the Historic Tax Class would be permitted to display old style number plates with black background and silver or white characters. This was despite the law previously requiring all vehicles first registered after 01 January 1973 to only display the yellow and white number plates with black characters.

As this was never the intention, DVLA have sought to rectify this through a legal correction, which will shortly be implemented. The change seeks to prevent any vehicle constructed after 01 January 1980 from the ability to display the number plates with black background and silver or white characters despite being recorded in the DVLA’s Historic tax class. Those vehicles with a construction date prior to 1 January 1980 will continue to be able to legally display number plates with black background and silver or white characters to avoid any undue costs of replacement.

Also note that from 01 January 2021 it will no longer be permissible to fix a new number plate displaying a Euro symbol. Number plates already fixed to vehicles are unaffected. DVLA will also be introducing a new British Standard for number plates produced from 01 September 2021, which will mean all current style number plates that are first fixed to a vehicle from that date must meet the technical requirements contained in that standard.

See the full FBHVC Press Release on the FBHVC website at:

DVLA Changes to Laws on Number Plates with Black Background and Silver or White Characters

About the FBHVC:

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) exists to uphold the freedom to use historic vehicles on the road.
It does this by representing the interests of owners of such vehicles to politicians, government officials, and legislators both in the UK and (through the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens) in Europe.
There are over 540 subscriber organisations representing a total membership of over 250,000 in addition to individual and trade supporters. All our directors operate in a voluntary capacity supported by our secretary.

Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Ltd, PO Box 295, Upminster, Essex, RM14 9DG

Tel: 01708 223111   E-mail: secretary@fbhvc.co.uk    Web: www.fbhvc.co.uk

Registered Office: The Barn, Holly Berry House, Hamstall Ridware, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 3SQ Registered in England No 3842316

VAT Reg No. 636 788683