Road tax reflections

The government has changed the tax-free road licence innovation for cars over 25 years old, in as much as this will no longer be extended each year but will now apply only to cars built before 1973. The classic car fraternity is understandably incensed, and is taking the proposed change up with the government.

But as the politicians are threatening to look at the overall position later on, it might well prove unwise to make too much fuss over the recent rule-change. Whether the Conservative Government introduced free licenses as a tribute to the very considerable influences on over 25,000 jobs and a £1.6 billion industry which the old vehicles movement fosters, or because the paperwork entailed by the frequent applications involving refunds etc by owners of cars not always in use for a full twelve months, is debatable. A bit of both, perhaps. Whichever, the move was most certainly very highly appreciated, and the Labour Government will be ill-advised to alter things, affecting as it does a far larger proportion of the voting public than may be realised…