Transport Secretary Mark Harper visits Oxfordshire
The Transport Secretary has visited Bicester Heritage following the governments call for evidence launch on how to future-proof classic cars
Last updated 9th May 2024
Car enthusiasts and industry can now have their say on how to best preserve iconic classic cars like the DMC Delorean, MkII Jaguar and James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 for decades to come.
Today, the Government launched a Call for Evidence to gather views on how classic and historic cars can be preserved for future generations and boost jobs in the £18 billion classic car sector.
Since the 1980s, policies on how classic cars are registered after being restored and upgraded have largely remained the same, and do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.
The Call for Evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will ask drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their proposals to help historic vehicles into the 21st century, while prioritising road safety and retaining accurate vehicle records.
Changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting prospective buyers, modify classic cars to improve their performance, and retrofit them with electric powertrains.
The classic car industry currently employs around 113,000 skilled people and worth £18 billion a year, the Call for Evidence will help support jobs in the heritage car industry and help grow the economy.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies.
"This 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 £8.3 billion 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.”