Classic car owners in England face having mileage 'strictly monitored'

Classic car owners face their mileage being "officially monitored" under a new car tax plan. A petition on the Parliamentary website has previously called for the government to "reduce Vehicle Tax for cars aged between 20 and 40 years old".

Lindsay Irvine, legislation director at the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has warned there was a “risk” historic mileage could be “officially monitored” if updates were made.

Speaking to Classic Car Weekly, Lindsay said: “These mileages are not officially monitored and there is a risk that they might be a condition if any extension is contemplated. As I have previously noted, some European countries already impose conditions on the use of HVs in return for permission to operate.”

READ MORE Foreign Office 'alters' Spain, Turkey, Greece travel advice amid 'red alert'

The petition read: "Under the current rules a car does not become exempt from Vehicle Tax until it is at least 40 years old. There are vehicles within the 20 to 40 year age bracket that are well loved, modern classics and without a reduction in tax, we may see these vehicles disappear from our roads."

Lindsay added: “An extension to only 30 years will result in a vast increase of the number of zero-rated cars, let alone extending by a further ten years. Unarguably such vehicles are much more usable on modern roads than those aged 40 plus and although claims are made by many owners that they do a low mileage, the authorities may be sceptical of that assertion in the light of the London ULEZ experience.”

The petition added: "As the owner of a 20-year old modern classic, which is seldom driven more than a 1000 miles a year, I have just had my Vehicle Tax reminder though and even if I were to SORN the vehicle for 6 months of the year, it would still cost me £180 for 6 months.

"I like to take advantage of the occasional sunny day, year round, so I must pay £320 for this privilege. And there are owners of other models of the same car paying nearly £400 a year."