In a significant move for the UK’s classic car community, Mark Harper, Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, has urged the industry to help future-proof historic vehicles. Speaking at a Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) event at Bicester Heritage, Harper announced an eight-week consultation period, open until July 4th, to address concerns about how the DVLA registers classic cars. The UK’s classic car sector, valued at £18 billion annually, has long voiced criticism over the DVLA’s handling of vehicle registrations.
The DVLA, responsible for maintaining vehicle records in the UK, faced backlash after closing its 39 local offices a decade ago. These offices, staffed by experts in classic cars, were crucial for owners navigating the registration process. The centralization led to numerous issues, including the issuance of Q-plates to legitimate classic cars and prolonged delays in registration processes.
Guy Lachlan, Executive Director of the HCVA, stated, “The DVLA’s current system incorrectly views the restoration and rebuilding of historic vehicles as detrimental to their historical record and registration. This misconception needs to be addressed. Maintaining the same registration number is essential to the history of the UK’s vehicles, similar to the preservation principles applied to historic buildings and fine art.”
Transport Minister Harper’s appeal to the classic car community is a pivotal moment for the HCVA, which has been advocating for the industry since its formation in 2021. The call for evidence results from three years of dedicated efforts by the HCVA, working closely with the DVLA, ministers, and the Historic Vehicle User Group.
Harper emphasized the importance of broad participation: “We want the industry, motorists, and enthusiasts to have their say. The more responses we receive, the clearer it will be to the government how critical this issue is.”
The HCVA highlights the complexity of the call for evidence, which contains 46 questions, many of which support the current system. To assist respondents, the HCVA will publish a detailed draft response on May 24th, urging all interested parties to review it thoroughly before submitting their responses.
HCVA Chairman Mark Roper remarked, “This opportunity to respond is a hard-fought and welcomed chance for classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts to communicate their challenges to the government and the DVLA. A collective, clear response will help secure a bright future for the industry, owners, and enthusiasts. We encourage everyone to read our guidance and draft response to ensure effective and concise feedback.”
Guy Lachlan added, “Our detailed response to the call for evidence will streamline the DVLA’s workload, prevent counterproductive legal actions, and eliminate uncertainties surrounding vehicle restoration that currently hinder the UK’s specialist industry. It is crucial that the classic car industry and UK enthusiasts unite to protect the future of our cherished vehicles for future generations.”
