Online petition for extension of free road tax.

[Blaketon]

The petition says "Currently cars have to have been constructed before a set date - the 1st January 1973 to be eligible for historic car tax exemption. We the undersigned would like the date to be move as it has been fixed for a number of years. A number of cars which were built in British factories are becoming few and far between and would like the Government to help preserve these cars by offering and extension on the current exemption date".

When "Free tax" was brought in, it was on a rolling 25 year basis. The first Blair government claimed that they drew a line in the sand, to avoid significant financial loss to the Treasury. Since the number of cars over twenty five years old remains a very small percentage of the total vehicle population, it would appear that this argument is spurious. Ever increasing computerisation/complication will, in my opinion, ensure that this continues to be the case. The cost of repair, allied to depreciation, will continue to keep scrap yards busy.

This may not directly affect Morris Minor Owners but I believe that all in the historic movement should stick together! The future of classics/historics (Whatever you care to call them) depends on, amongst other things, a bouyant "Scene". At present, we have a situation where post 1972 vehicles (Of which there are a considerable number - MGBs, Midgets etc) are not officially considered to be "Historic". Some of the regulations aimed, apparently, at "Old bangers" have exemptions for historics. Where does this leave the post 1972 vehicles? Aside from this, the more people who sign the petition, the more it shows to the powers that be, that there are a lot of historic enthusiasts who are to be taken seriously. Not signing this petition is, in my opinion, a sign to the government that we are a disjointed movement who can be picked off a bit at a time, should they feel the need!!

To sign the petition (BY 31 MAY 2007), visit, http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/historiccartax/.