No ncts needed for vintage cars
The government is planning to introduce mandatory NCT testing for cars first registered before 1980, and you can make a submission, but the deadline is tomorrow, Friday November 14, so you need to act now if you’re interested. See www.rsa.ie. The Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club website has more details.
Westmeath’s thriving vintage and classic car scene’s days could be numbered if the government goes ahead with plans to introduce mandatory NCT testing for cars first registered before 1980, a local enthusiast has warned.
At present only cars registered after January 1980 are required to undergo testing for road safety, all cars registered before this date are exempt. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is currently looking for feedback from the public on the issue. At present there are around 3,500 vintage and classic cars taxed.
While Ireland is one of only a few EU countries where older vehicles are exempt from safety testing, the PRO of the Kilbeggan based Midland American Auto Club, Nick Stratta, says that his club’s preference is that the government should introduce “rolling exemption” for all cars 30 years and over.
“These vehicles are always well maintained and babied by their owners. Anyone who comes down to a show in Kilbeggan can see that for themselves. They are lavished with attention.”
Mr Stratta also noted that statistically classic and vintage cars are far less likely to be involved in accidents than other vehicles.
“They are only driven in good weather and go at a moderate speed. Generally they are only driven short distances or to and from shows. Studies have shown that they do only a tenth of the mileage of a regular car.”
If the government introduce mandatory NCT testing for vintage and classic vehicles, it will have a profound effect on the currently thriving community, Mr Stratta said. He also noted that many vintage clubs such as the MAAC regularly raise money for charity and this would also be affected.
“There are already people saying that they will sell their cars as they couldn’t be bothered. I’ve got six cars and if I had to NCT them every year it would be one every two months. It would be a complete pain. The money wouldn’t be an issue personally, although it is for some people. For me, it is the inconvenience, I am a really busy guy.
“Our key point is that there is no real reason to change anything. There is no safety argument. The vehicles are safe, they are driven in a responsible manner and if you look at the safety record that is why their insurance premiums are so low. The companies rate things on risk and they are lowest risk.”
The public have until November 14 to make a submission. See www.rsa.ie.