The Government has guaranteed no restrictions will be introduced on the usage of classic cars in the UK.
The pledge came from Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead and Parliamentary Under Secretary for State for Transport, during the launch of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs latest report into the size and make-up of the classic car hobby at the Houses of Parliament last night.
Penning, who took part in this year's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run aboard the 1902 Mercedes Simplex driven by Nigel Mansell, said: "We have no plans whatsoever to restrict the use of classic and vintage vehicles, not as long as I am in my position."
He added that, on the contrary, the classic car hobby should be protected and encouraged to grow even further: "For me, they are part of our heritage, and so long as I am in charge I will protect that heritage. I want to protect and encourage the use of these cars on our roads. We want to see more and more of them [classic cars], We should be proud of them and should be proud of our heritage."
Penning said that because of Brussels it was a constant battle to protect and preserve the hobby: "If we were in charge of our own destiny, it would not be an issue, but Europe has a slightly different view, and we must take steps with them first before addressing the issues that arise from that."
