THE END OF MODIFICATION?

Tuners and restorers fear tampering proposals could impact classics

Agovernment consultation on future mobility has stirred up a hornet’s nest in the classic car community after a section of proposed legislation on ‘tampering’ with vehicle systems raised questions about upgraded or non-original parts.

Under the wording of the consultation, the Department for Transport (DFT) says: ‘We will create new offences for tampering with a system, part or component of a vehicle intended or adapted to be used on a road. This will enable us to address existing gaps in the legislation, ensuring cleaner, safer vehicles.’

The proposed legislation is part of a raft of measures aimed at new and future vehicles in order to try and prevent owners from removing emissions controls or speed-limiting devices, but if brought into law, could cause issues for those wishing to modify older cars.

After being lobbied by the British Motorcyclists’ Federation (BMF), DFT acknowledged that its wording ‘could have been misleading’. Anna Zee, spokesperson for the BMF, said: ‘We were invited to a meeting with DFT officials to discuss this section of the consultation.

They were quick to admit this could have been worded better; it is not intended to prevent customisation of vehicles or the fitting of aftermarket products that do the same job, or better, as the original equipment. It is intended to apply to anything that affects emissions, the computerised systems which are installed and for increasing speed, e.g. on e-scooters.

Danny says…

‘The DFT response suggests that the effect on our hobby may not be as impactful as first thought, but it’s important that our views are represented before the end of the consultation period.

Once again, it’s slack wording rather than an actual pernicious attack on our industry that is to blame here… but we need to stay active and vigilant in order to counter the ignorance.’