CLASSICS GIVEN ETHANOL REPRIEVE

Transport minister vows to listen to owners’ concerns over fuel plans

Transport minister, Chris Grayling MP, has said that classics will not be forced to run on fuel with higher ethanol content, which has been linked to component damage and vehicle fires.

The Conservative cabinet minister – who describes himself as a classic fan and whose first car was a Ford Capri MkI – told members and supporters of the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group (APPHVG) that older vehicles would not be caught out by the UK’s plans to implement the European Union’s Fuel Quality Directive by raising the amount of ethanol to ten per cent. A campaign supporting E10 fuel has also gained some high-profile supporters across the political parties, including shadow transport secretary, Andy McDonald.

The Department for Transport (DfT), which Chris Grayling heads up, carried out a consultation on increasing ethanol, despite concerns from classic owners about its ability to corrode fuel lines. Responses included the results of a parallel survey carried out by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), in which 2700 classic owners – who between them own 6800 vehicles – hit out at the plans.

In a statement to APPHVG supporters at Westminster, Mr Grayling said: ‘[Sir Greg] recently mentioned concerns about E10 fuels, which are not compatible with the systems and components on historic vehicles. I am happy to assure you that the department remains committed that any rollout in the UK is carefully managed, and that E5 fuels or less should remain available to all of those.’

Mr Grayling’s comments have been welcomed by the group’s members. Chairman, Sir Greg Knight MP, said: ‘I am delighted that the Secretary of State for Transport, who is a friend of the classic car movement, appreciates our concerns and has taken them on board. I am greatly reassured by his pledge that any roll-out of E10 will be carefully managed and that E5 will remain available for those who need it.’

The FBHVC said it that was encouraged by Mr Grayling’s, but said that it was awaiting the outcome of the DfT’s consultation.

Communications director, Geoff Lancaster, said: ‘Chris Grayling, has a history of being sympathetic to historic vehicles, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the details are when the consultation results are published.’

Ethanol content in fuel is currently nearer to five percent, which transport minister Chris Grayling said that he’d like to see being made available to classic owners.

CCW reported back in August that owners of more than 6800 historic vehicles were concerned about the ethanol content in fuel being increased.