Classic car owners have received a major boost from the Government as it launches a new consultation to "future-proof" the industry and safeguard thousands of jobs.
A call for evidence has been unveiled to hear the opinions of the classic car community on the best ways to protect heritage vehicles and make them fit for the modern age.
The classic car sector provides £18billion to the UK economy, with the Government hoping the consultation will boost jobs for future generations.
It will look at how the industry can be protected and modernise to help owners maintain, improve and sell their vehicles.
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There are more than 1.1 million vehicles in the heritage vehicle tax class
GETTYSince the 1980s, there has been very little development in classic car policies, especially with how they are registered after being restored and upgraded.
Rules also do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology, which has been done by many drivers in recent years installing electric engines.
The new proposals in the consultation look at improving how vehicle records are held, to ensure cars that have been rebuilt are safe to be on the road and protect people looking to purchase the vehicles and are aware of any changes made.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper supported the consultation, saying it would act as a major boost to those fearful about the future of the industry.
The Conservative MP for the Forest of Dean added: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.
“Alongside our record £8.3billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today’s Call for Evidence is the latest part of the Government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy.”
The consultation also questions whether new registration numbers should be launched specifically for use for historic and classic vehicles, including "Q plates".
Q registration plates apply to vehicles that have major modifications to the chassis or monocoque bodyshell, as well as if more than one reconditioned component is used.
As part of the call for evidence, it questions whether there should be specific policies for different vehicle types, which could prompt many responses from motorcycle groups, in addition to heritage vehicle organisations.
Julie Lennard, Chief Executive Officer at the DVLA, said: “As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.
“This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”
It is estimated that there are around 1.1 million vehicles in the historic vehicle tax class, with around 600,000 of these being licensed.
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GETTYThe call for evidence will run for eight weeks until July 4, 2024, with the Government expected to respond to the consultation shortly after.
