Classic & Sports Car magazine is calling on enthusiasts
to help to oppose London Mayor Boris Johnson's proposal to ban classic cars
from the centre of the capital. Not only would the Ultra Low Emissions Zone
exclude classics from the Congestion Charge Zone, it could spell disaster for
events such as the Regent Street Motor Show for instance.
As it stands, no exemptions to the draft proposal have been
hinted at or confirmed and there are fears that classic cars could bear the
brunt of legislation aimed at other vehicles.
Classic & Sports Car's Group Editor James Elliott said: "When
we revealed the threat a few days ago, it was greeted with outcry from
enthusiasts so we are taking positive action.
Even though there are some 800,000 pre-1981 classic cars in the UK,
their contribution to pollution is so tiny it is virtually immeasurable yet
they will be just as affected by this as the heavily polluting diesel vehicles
that this is intending to curb."
"Plus, the prospect of an event such as the Brighton
Run, immortalised in the film Genevieve, being stopped completely or forced to
find an alternative start point after more than a century is unthinkable. That event perfectly sums up what our hobby is
all about, it is not just a selfish indulgence, but sharing something with
people that brings a smile to their faces. It would be a shame to see that
smile wiped out by ill-thought-out legislation."
As a result C&SC has started a campaign to gather as
many signatures as possible to oppose the change and secure a future for the
cars of the past on London's roads. It
plans to deliver the petition personally to London mayor Boris Johnson in a convoy
of classic cars.
Please add your name to the petition by following this link:
http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/general-classic-car-news/the-free-use-of-classic-cars-in-central-london
Thanks, Patrick Carroll
