RAC recommends scrapping older cars

Post by **Zack** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:15 am

By the way, what is the RAC? Is it like the AAA in America?

Post by **alex_holden** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 8:17 am

Zack wrote:By the way, what is the RAC? Is it like the AAA in America?

Yes. The UK's two oldest and biggest breakdown recovery companies are the AA (Automobile Association) and the RAC (Royal Automobile Club).

Post by **Furrtiv** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 3:22 pm

I was so irked by this, I have sent the RAC a long rant about this subject, and directed them to this messageboard. I also threatened to rescind my membership, for all the good that will do, but I do like to think that one person's voice, expressed passionately enough, could make them listen.

Even though I don't own a Morris anymore, my current car is eleven years old, and I doubt I'll ever own anything from brand new, so this idea could affect me very badly.

Post by **Judge** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 3:58 pm

Judge wrote:I have now spoken to the RAC Foundation, and have been assured that any such scheme, if implemented, would be on a totally voluntary basis.

I have also been assured that if this has not been made clear, they will ensure that it is.

I hope that this will allay some of your concern.

Post by **Zack** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:47 pm

Judge wrote:
Judge wrote:I have now spoken to the RAC Foundation, and have been assured that any such scheme, if implemented, would be on a totally voluntary basis.

I have also been assured that if this has not been made clear, they will ensure that it is.

I hope that this will allay some of your concern.

Well, even if it is voluntary, some people will probably participate, which will mean some quality cars / at least restorable cars sent to the scrap heap for no reason.

Post by **alzax3** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:15 pm

Looking at this from another direction, I can see why they might want to reduce the number of 'classic' motors on the road: the amount of RAC/AA operatives that actually have a clue what to do with a car like a Minor seems to be dwindling rapidly - nowhere to plug in a diagnostic computer!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 5:37 pm

I have now spoken to the RAC Foundation, and have been assured that any such scheme, if implemented, would be on a totally voluntary basis.

I have also been assured that if this has not been made clear, they will ensure that it is.

I hope that this will allay some of your concern.

repeating it still doesn't help!
I have rescued a large number of poor condition Minors from extinction. These cars came my way cheaply and went on to serve a valuable life (e.g. the pimp my ride car), and generally I've spent out money and hours to earn nothing overall - It was done for the love of the marque.

If the government adopt the dumb scheme, then these cars would be a source of income when the current owners sell for scrap with a government ££££ cash incentive. Many many Morris Minors would vanish from the planet - and many other classic cars too.

Those of us who love a good resto project car should be very annoyed. Added to that many classic car resto companies could loose half their customer base overnight. Plent of people get snotty when a car is bought for it's reg plate value, so why should many more be ending up scrapped for a tax break !

Giving a scrap incentive for a car based purely on age is the kind of stupid red tape disaster that we've come to expect.
No consideration of car's lifetime environmental impact. No mention of fuel efficient old cars. No mention of this country's automotive heritage.

Post by **Judge** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 7:36 pm

Ray, I had written a full response to this, but in the end decided not to post it. All I would say is that like the complaints regarding the Club, posting them on here achieves absolutely nothing. I chose to speak directly to those that could do something about it, how many others have done this?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:23 pm

hi Bill. It is formally requested as a topic for the MMOC AGM, so I'm choosing to speak to people who can do something about it - i.e. club members who have a vote at the AGM.

I'm not a member of the RAC, but I suggest anyone who is should also get in touch with them (to complain loudly).

Post by **Judge** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:37 pm

Unfortunately on this occasion I must disagree with you Ray. This is not something being suggested by the MMOC, and therefore apart from it possibly disassociating itself from the RAC, will probably achieve nothing. Also please remember that normally less than 1% of the membership attend the AGM.

The second part of your posting I do agree with, and is basically what I did immediately.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:06 pm

apart from it possibly disassociating itself from the RAC, will probably achieve nothing.

that was the point - as the RAC has chosen modern band wagons to gain publicity (whilst forgetting its heritage) it should forget it's support from excellent clubs like the MMOC.

normally less than 1% of the membership attend the AGM.

the forum has quite a few members who do attend and some with an active role in the club, so I shall try and remain optimistic (although I'm not holding my breath - change is very slow...)

Post by **Judge** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:32 am

rayofleamington wrote:
apart from it possibly disassociating itself from the RAC, will probably achieve nothing.
that was the point - as the RAC has chosen modern band wagons to gain publicity (whilst forgetting its heritage) it should forget it's support from excellent clubs like the MMOC.

Maybe a misunderstanding here Ray. I agree that if clubs like the MMOC disassociate themselves from the RAC, then it would make them think. Unfortunately though I dont think this is going to happen. However if individual RAC members, like myself, made their feelings felt, they would probably take notice.