Classic-friendly fuel likely beyond 2026
But Transport Trust warns that future view could cause issues
The UK’s leading classic voice in Parliament has said that ‘protection grade’, low ethanol fuel, better known as E5, will be on forecourts for another five years – and that supply should be extended after that following a review.
Sir Greg Knight MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group, said: ‘ The government net zero plans are aimed to secure a movement away from fossil-fuelled vehicles that are in everyday use. Historic vehicles, which are largely used only for special occasions, account now for just 0.2 per cent of all miles travelled on UK roads, so allowing their continued future use is not going to have any noticeable effect on emissions.
‘Working with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, we have already secured the continued sale of E5 low ethanol “Protection grade” fuel for at least five years. After that, this will be reviewed and I believe likely extended.’
Fuel availability was recently questioned after Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, pledged that all businesses across the UK operate by carbon neutral measures by 2050.
However, Stuart Wilkinson, chairman of the National Transport Trust (nationaltransporttrust.org.uk), warned that future policymakers might not be swayed by Sir Greg’s arguments long term – and that public perception of the historic vehicle movement was key.
He said: ‘With specific reference to historic road vehicles and the availability of suitable fuels, we broadly agree with Sir Greg Knight’s views.
‘However, the green lobby is unlikely to share his views about the significance of our transport heritage, or the right of those who drive historic vehicles to enjoy exemption from the rules which have been enacted to reduce overall emissions.’
] historicvehicles.org.uk