London Classic Car Ban? Update

Following on from my post back in March 2014 relating to a proposed ban on Classic Cars in London I now have an update for you.

The inital rumbling was regarding London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) a plan to solve the Capital’s poor air quality by levying hefty charges on all but modern clean running vehicles entering Greater London which when raised seemed to be leading to a ban on all cars built in the 20th century.

Although the matter had gone quiet towards the end of the year due to the ongoing consultation it seems there may be light at the end of the tunnel after all.

A recent press release from the National Association of Wedding Car Professionals (NAWCP) gave details of a recent meeting between Transport for London and the ULEZ stakeholders of which NAWCP are one. The NAWCP ‘s press release states that at a meeting in November it was decided that it had been decided by TFL  that the exemptions that applied to the original LEZ would now apply to the ULEZ. “Historic Vehicles” as defined by the government scheme would be exempt from all the ULEZ charges and penalties.

Although what is an “Historic Vehicle” is up for debate, it is at present a vehicle which was manufactured before January 1st 1974 and proceeding on a rolling 40 year basis. Such vehicles must be confirmed by the DVLA as Historic and be classified accordingly on the V5C logbooks.

The consultation will not close until January 9th 2015 and so it is impossible to say what will be exempted yet.

Full details can be found in Classic car Buyer Issue 258