YOUR VIEWS ON MOT EXEMPTION

‘My late brother’s classic was a 1984 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera and we really couldn’t get over the idea that this 231bhp 150mph supercar would become MOT exempt as early as next year! I owned a Lotus Esprit some years back and again we’d try and get our heads around the fact that an early Lotus Esprit Turbo is not subject to any compulsory annual safety checks. Enough said, surely? Or do we need a committee of experts on expenses to have meetings to work this out for us?’ SCOTT MOORE

‘I do think that tests should be re-introduced on a reduced cost, solely for the safety aspect. As a classic owner of Ford V8 Pilot and Ford Prefect I do all the work myself, but not everyone does. I have been a mobile mechanic and seen some horrendous faults on all vehicles, modern and classics; it only takes a split second for an incident to happen that opens up a hornet’s nest. The impacts of improperly maintained classics can be severe and it is understood that annual testing can prevent major accidents.’ ROGER BIRDSEYE

‘If an owner won’t spend £40 a year on their vehicle for an independent assessment of its safety what else are they skimping on? I do fully appreciate that the MOT needs to be age-appropriate and have myself contributed to the government consultation on that very basis but having just replaced four tyres with good tread on one car due quite simply to age I will continue to spend on safety-related items from here on in. I’ll sell the cars if and when I get to the stage when I can’t do that.’ PAUL BURNELL