Gerry
Well-Known Member
Sorry guys but I thought you might like to see what going on in Europe at the moment.
I understand SEMA is also getting involved due to the possible 'roll on effect'. I have copied the pertinent words from our Rods n Sods forum (If its OK by Mike).
The implications of this new law, which in the opinion of a number of our MEPs (Member of European Parliament) WILL go through, spells the end for most Hot Rods ever being allowed on European roads.
I hope that the USA does not follow this kind of legislation but it may be worth doing a bit of research, before, like us it becomes too late to do anything about it.
We are not 100% sure this will become law but the indications are that it will in 2013.
quote:
EU ROADWORTHINESS TESTING
When the European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group (EPHVG) met in May, Szabolcs Schmidt the head of the EC Road Safety Unit, mentioned that proposals for revisions to the Roadworthiness Testing Directive, following a 2010 consultation, were expected ‘in the summer’. In July, the European Commission published the detail which turned out to be a proposal to replace the current Roadworthiness Testing Directive (2009/40/EC) with a completely new Directive.
The draft of the new Directive has implications for all motorists, not just historic vehicle owners. Amongst other things, the draft includes requirements to test all trailers (which in turn implies a registration system) and requires tests to make reference to a vehicle’s original ‘technical characteristics’. The meaning of this expression is not defined. National governments are granted the right to make their own testing arrangements for ‘vehicles of historic interest’. A vehicle of historic interest is then defined as one that
• Was manufactured more than 30 years ago
• Is maintained by use of replacement parts which reproduce the historic components of the vehicle
• Has not sustained any change in the technical characteristics of its main components such as engine, brakes, steering or suspension; and
• Has not been changed in its appearance.
FBHVC considers this definition to be unworkable and completely unacceptable. FBHVC also rejects the suggestion that Roadworthiness Testing should relate to a vehicle’s ‘technical characteristics’, whatever the age of the vehicle. Modifications, alterations and improvements are all part of the history of motor vehicles and the older the vehicle, the more likely it is that it will have been altered at some stage. At present the basic tenet of a UK MoT test is that it is one of mechanical fitness. There is no database of original specifications for UK vehicles, so testing to original 'technical characteristics' is simply pie-in-the-sky.
Earlier this month, the Department for Transport asked stakeholders for comment on the proposals. FBHVC will be responding formally to this request when further analysis of the detailed proposals has been completed. FBHVC will be discussing the implications of the proposal with the international organisation, FIVA, and through them with the EPHVG group as well as with the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group in the UK.
It should be remembered that this is still just a proposal. It has to have approval by each EU member country before it is adopted. Some media commentary on this topic has tended towards the ‘we’re doomed’ end of the scale. It is certainly a serious issue and FBHVC is treating it accordingly. Unquote
Although the above seems quite optimistic, things have moved on and not in a positive way.
The 30 year rule may save some but careful reading shows that any Historic vehicle over 30 years old MUST be in an original condition. That is as it came from the factory.
I can only suggest you guys may want to look in to whats happening in the USA as we have been caught with our pants down. People have been working on this (from our car clubs etc) for the last 7 years to find out what was coming, but unfortunately, 99% of the people it will effect have had the attitude of
'It will never happen' and now it looks too late to do anything about it.
I hope will all my heart that the US does not follow this and will try and keep you informed as to where it ends up.
A very very unhappy T Bucket owner.
I understand SEMA is also getting involved due to the possible 'roll on effect'. I have copied the pertinent words from our Rods n Sods forum (If its OK by Mike).
The implications of this new law, which in the opinion of a number of our MEPs (Member of European Parliament) WILL go through, spells the end for most Hot Rods ever being allowed on European roads.
I hope that the USA does not follow this kind of legislation but it may be worth doing a bit of research, before, like us it becomes too late to do anything about it.
We are not 100% sure this will become law but the indications are that it will in 2013.
quote:
EU ROADWORTHINESS TESTING
When the European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group (EPHVG) met in May, Szabolcs Schmidt the head of the EC Road Safety Unit, mentioned that proposals for revisions to the Roadworthiness Testing Directive, following a 2010 consultation, were expected ‘in the summer’. In July, the European Commission published the detail which turned out to be a proposal to replace the current Roadworthiness Testing Directive (2009/40/EC) with a completely new Directive.
The draft of the new Directive has implications for all motorists, not just historic vehicle owners. Amongst other things, the draft includes requirements to test all trailers (which in turn implies a registration system) and requires tests to make reference to a vehicle’s original ‘technical characteristics’. The meaning of this expression is not defined. National governments are granted the right to make their own testing arrangements for ‘vehicles of historic interest’. A vehicle of historic interest is then defined as one that
• Was manufactured more than 30 years ago
• Is maintained by use of replacement parts which reproduce the historic components of the vehicle
• Has not sustained any change in the technical characteristics of its main components such as engine, brakes, steering or suspension; and
• Has not been changed in its appearance.
FBHVC considers this definition to be unworkable and completely unacceptable. FBHVC also rejects the suggestion that Roadworthiness Testing should relate to a vehicle’s ‘technical characteristics’, whatever the age of the vehicle. Modifications, alterations and improvements are all part of the history of motor vehicles and the older the vehicle, the more likely it is that it will have been altered at some stage. At present the basic tenet of a UK MoT test is that it is one of mechanical fitness. There is no database of original specifications for UK vehicles, so testing to original 'technical characteristics' is simply pie-in-the-sky.
Earlier this month, the Department for Transport asked stakeholders for comment on the proposals. FBHVC will be responding formally to this request when further analysis of the detailed proposals has been completed. FBHVC will be discussing the implications of the proposal with the international organisation, FIVA, and through them with the EPHVG group as well as with the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group in the UK.
It should be remembered that this is still just a proposal. It has to have approval by each EU member country before it is adopted. Some media commentary on this topic has tended towards the ‘we’re doomed’ end of the scale. It is certainly a serious issue and FBHVC is treating it accordingly. Unquote
Although the above seems quite optimistic, things have moved on and not in a positive way.
The 30 year rule may save some but careful reading shows that any Historic vehicle over 30 years old MUST be in an original condition. That is as it came from the factory.
I can only suggest you guys may want to look in to whats happening in the USA as we have been caught with our pants down. People have been working on this (from our car clubs etc) for the last 7 years to find out what was coming, but unfortunately, 99% of the people it will effect have had the attitude of
'It will never happen' and now it looks too late to do anything about it.
I hope will all my heart that the US does not follow this and will try and keep you informed as to where it ends up.
A very very unhappy T Bucket owner.
