Scrapping ULEZ, Saving Classic Cars & Heritage Skills: interviewing Mark Harper

I spoke with the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper as he launches a 'call for evidence' which is essentially a chance for us all to speak up, speak out and voice our concerns around classics.
PLEASE NOTE: This video is NOT an endorsement of policy, government ministers or anything similar. I was given the chance to raise awareness and ask questions and I did just that.
I wanted our voices, the normal people, to be heard. I hope some of the things I've said go some way to shaping our future.
For ref, here are all the documents: www.gov.uk/government/calls-f...
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Below is the supplied press release:
Classic car industry and driving enthusiasts can help shape future policy on how to protect motoring icons and make them fit for the modern age
Registering a James Bond style Aston Martin DB5 after it’s been restored or retrofitting an electric motor to the iconic DMC Delorean could become easier, supporting jobs in the £18bn classic car industry
Follows the Plan for Drivers and the biggest ever £8.3 billion investment to resurface local roads across England, as Government continues to back drivers.
Car enthusiasts and industry can now have their say on how to best preserve iconic classic cars like the DMC Delorean, MkII Jaguar and James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 for decades to come.
Today (Thursday 9 May), the Government is launching a Call for Evidence to gather views on how classic and historic cars can be preserved for future generations and boost jobs in the £18 billion classic car sector.
Since the 1980s, policies on how classic cars are registered after being restored and upgraded have largely remained the same, and do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.
The Call for Evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will ask drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their proposals to help historic vehicles into the 21st century, while prioritising road safety and retaining accurate vehicle records.
Changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting prospective buyers, modify classic cars to improve their performance, and retrofit them with electric powertrains.
With iconic James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5, Inspector Morse’s MkII Jaguar and the Belfast-built DMC Delorean from “Back to the Future” firmly embedded in popular culture, today’s Call for Evidence is an opportunity for classic car enthusiasts and the motoring industry to have their say on how these and other motoring icons can remain an example of British excellence in the UK and around the world.
Better preserving classic cars can also help drive tourism to iconic classic car shows such as Goodwood Revival. With the classic car industry employing around 113,000 skilled people and worth £18 billion a year, the Call for Evidence will help support jobs in the heritage car industry and help grow the economy.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
“The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.
“Alongside our record £8.3 billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today’s Call for Evidence is the latest part of the Government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy.”
The Call for Evidence is the latest measure to back drivers across the country, following £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the biggest ever funding boost to local roads maintenance as we tackle potholes and improve local roads.
The Government is also delivering for motorists through the Plan for Drivers, including ensuring traffic schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits have buy-in from local people, consulting on measures to stop councils treating drivers as ‘cash cows’ and accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle chargepoints for those choosing to switch.
Drivers will also be able to enjoy smoother journeys following the introduction of new measures to crack down on disruptive street works, with utility companies that allow works to overrun facing increased fines, which could generate up to £100 million extra to improve local roads.
Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive Officer, said:
“As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.
“This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”

[@levelcrossing150]

After what these politicians have done to the motorist I have totally lost my trust in any of them.

[@407j]

Why would you ever trust government in the first place?

[@deanosaur808]

It's a waste of time if he's a Tory politician. They will out on their arse soon 😂

[@davebrooks8033]

When are they going to understand that taking the original engine out of a classic car and fitting an electric motor then it will no longer a CLASSIC CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@grumpy2.0]

As they only understand the Aesthetics of the Classic ownership.

[@dungareesareforfools]

Couldn't agree more - it's good to finally hear others saying the same. If you "improve" the second most major component of an old car, where do you stop? I mean, air conditioning would be nice, and those vinyl seats could be better... Owning a classic car is about the whole experience - the sound, the smells, the way it feels - not just how it looks.

[@idriveaclassic]

You know what annoys me more than stripping the engine out? People that strip out interiors.

[@dungareesareforfools]

@@idriveaclassic I agree! I'm a Ford fan, and I can't stand it when people turn a nice Escort Ghia into yet another pretend rally / track car.

[@deanosaur808]

I don't mind so much if the old parts are kept so that the car can be returned to its original state at a later stage

[@davidaustin2172]

The engine is the character of a vintage car. To change it for an electric motor should be a criminal offence!

[@dungareesareforfools]

Totally agree. A car with a 20 years out of date electric motor where there should be a period correct engine is going to be as worthless as a 1960s car with a 1990s turbo diesel engine would be now. It's a classic shell with a characterless, big Scalextric drivetrain fitted.

[@user-iu9ob7wv3z]

Recently I had a discussion in a local West Yorkshire car park in which I was parked with my classic P4 Rover. A somewhat aggressive person approached me and asked how I could drive my polluting f***ing classic in the current climate crisis. The person owned a 10 year old 4WD!. The 'argument' continued over some minutes. We were joined by a couple of other people with a similar opinions. Fighting the classic cause on three fronts was not easy but, eventually I was able to get an answer to my question out of them. I asked what each of their annual mileages were and met with an answer from each (3 people) and it averaged out to 17,000 miles per annum each on all the cars (one was diesel). I told them that many Classic car drivers had mileage restrictions on their insurance policies and that mine was 1500mls per annum my use of which was approx 1200 annually. Given the petrol/diesel consumption on their cars in doing 17,000 miles who was causing the most pollution and left them to work out the answer.

[@OldcarsNmusic]

When a politician says "so look", it's a sure sign he or she's about to blow smoke up your jaxy!

[@dennismccarthy7032]

Basic car maintenance used to be taught in schools , the classic car hobby is part of Britain's culture and is so loved by the people of Britain , Great work Steph ❤

[@Extreme_Rice]

Was it though? Not when I was at school in the 80s and 90s (though obviously cars have changed enough since then that it would be quite out of date anyway).

[@davidmwood560]

That was an interesting interview. Particularly when the Secretary for Transport kept a straight face when talking about the government wanting to 'encourage' classic ownership. All I can say is; whenever I spend time at Parliament in the course of my profession, on the very rare occasions when the subject comes up, (not in the House itself of course. That would have to be reported in Hansard), classic cars are regarded with a degree of scorn! An annoyance that can't just be banned outright because too many very wealthy and influential people also have at least one, usually more, classic cars. One particular Peer owns a private collection numbering in excess of 100 cars - over half being Rolls Royce and Bentley items. This Noble Gentleman is ridiculously wealthy, has many Royal connections worldwide; and doesn't take sides. He's very much a Force to be reckoned with! Politicians will say anything if it might win votes. In my opinion Steph; it's very much a case of: "Believe them at your peril!"

[@levelcrossing150]

ULEZ, more Cameras/Surveillance, Digital Identity, 15 minute cities, C40 cities and road pricing are all being discussed behind our backs. Young classic car owners and enthusiasts need to research this for themselves to question and stand up against it. It's your future too.

[@ololiver92]

6 know how Steph is voting in October now 🗳

[@ochayethegnu2915]

@@ololiver92That would be a mistake.

[@alansimpson835]

Great work Steph, Well done for snaring a minister, for asking him some questions and having a video record of it. As always, practicing what you preach too

[@RobertHaynes-kw2sk]

Steph, it's a good job you got hold of the Transport Secretary ahead of the impending General Election. Classic vehicles need to remain where they belong, that is on our roads along with the modern ones. Good girl Steph. Love that 1920s Rolls-Royce next to your Morris.

[@Aguyfromthe60s]

Good girl?

[@andrewcooney2387]

Classic cars will be gone it's as simple as that, I own 4 of them but even I can see the writing on the wall

[@ochayethegnu2915]

Never trust a Tory

[@francisnewmarch6837]

Crumbs! I had a 1.3 automatic Marina in that colour and it gave 2 years of super service. Wish I had it now😢

[@callum-jim-p]

So many people in these comments creating such an "us and them" atmosphere with regards to EV conversions. We should be welcoming both the preservation of all things original, AND allowing people to convert to an EV if they so wish. So much of it depends on people's usage and circumstances - if an EV powertrain is going to allow someone to use their classic more frequently, go for it! I was at a very healthy-seeming classic car event yesterday (healthy in the sense that it was packed and thriving) - but honestly, nostalgia and preservation aside, the fumes from some of them cannot be looked at as a positive. Let's all be a bit more open - the gatekeeping is more likely to end the Classic Car movement than EV conversions are. There are far more dangerous things Mark Harper is overlooking or ignoring than the notion of EV conversions.

[@michaelmcdaid5838]

The question should be is there a future for cars. Going green is really about going without.

[@plunkervillerr1529]

God Bless Great Britain and love from across the Pond.

[@crashbox7130]

I see Scotland's ULEZ, in the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee (currently only a thing in Glasgow) has a classic car exemption of 30-years-old rather than the 40-years-old in England.

[@jameskrell4392]

When the interest in classic cars has gone so so will society. Things like this are part of the thin veneer that is civilisation.

[@idriveaclassic]

If the world is no longer interested in classics, I’ll just lay down and give up 😂

[@DeanSinger-ky7md]

@@idriveaclassic if there's a mass graveyard of junk metal and batteries, more likely to be EVs......

[@daviewhatley3665]

Love that your talking about this❤

[@davidrumming4734]

My points are- 1 In the long term, after the transition to all electric cars…..there won’t be any petrol/diesel to power classic cars. 2 How long before E5 petrol gets removed? Many older cars can’t run on E10 3 As you said, the skill base will fade away as the new motoring environment will be completely different (electric). Keeping old ICE cars running will be like keeping steam trains running today….even now I foresee more difficulties involving preserving working modern classics with high spec complex electronics…..Japanese performance cars obviously top of that list because of the very specific skills & parts needed. Far easier to keep an original Beetle or Mini running. 4 The minister will not be there for many more months. The new people are likely to be much harder on ICE cars. 5 The mayor of London is unlikely to be sympathetic to your cause….because he has just been voted back in on the strength of his Net Zero approach….a great number of people want ICE cars removed from the road.

[@davidrumming4734]

@@dogbreaththe3rd851 Insufficient rare metals to make enough batteries to replace every ICE vehicle Cost and practical issues (nearly half of British households don’t have a driveway for home charging) of electric still too high compared with ICE. 2nd hand electric cars are risky due to battery degradation. Expect 15% over 4y based on people’s experience told to me. As we are already starting to see, now the initial bunch of people who always jump first because they want to have got their electric cars-the masses aren’t so keen & we see this in the numbers. Yet we still have a 2035 mandate and between 2024 and 2035 there’s a staircase switchover, each year a greater % of vehicles produced must be fully electric (hybrid also faces 2036 cutoff). The Ford fiesta has already gone and now the Focus. Prices of ICE cars will go up as choices are removed by gov. Shortages of ICE cars. If people then panic closer to the mandate, supply chains & production will be unable to keep up with demand for electric cars-even assuming they have enough rare metals and we have a grid that can take the strain. At this point many Brits will lose out and be downgraded from car to public transport & cycling. Multiply across U.K. this will have a very significant negative economic impact.

[@davidrumming4734]

@@dogbreaththe3rd851I’ve sent a detailed reply as to why I agree But it may not appear due to censorship (this has happened previously when comments re electric cars are negative)

[@davidrumming4734]

Further Commercial vehicles must also switch Vans is what British economy is built on….and electric vans currently are way behind on the development curve…range, cost, and the already compromised range is comprised still further when laden with stuff….the reason you buy a van! -this also impacts on people carriers, mini vans, multipurpose vehicles…because they tip over into that prob with some overlap.

[@davidrumming4734]

As a matter of point, I’m not against electric as a form of transportation I’m just pointing to the probs that I see emerging due to the enforced switchover to electric. I much prefer letting the market do it naturally….let manufacturers get their act together and let people choose. The switchover prob would still happen but in a natural and achievable way with better technology…we might even see hydrogen being used for larger vehicles.

[@lesklower7281]

Fortunately in Australia no ULEZ but in N.S.W all cars registered in N.S.W we have a yearly registration inspection that is every classic car modern classic car but there is no emission check

[@Ivorbiggin]

For those that don’t know…..N.S.W = New South Wales

[@lesklower7281]

@@Ivorbiggin l am pretty sure most people know it is Australia and it one of the states

[@mattjukes8151]

Good to see there’s a recognition of the importance of the classic car sector. Let’s hope positive engagement continues even when / if there is a change in government.

[@idriveaclassic]

The more we talk about something, the more it gets recognised and noticed. We are a valuable part of the economy and deserve the respect and recognition.

[@andrewcooney2387]

There isn't a recognition, don't kid yourself on this, classic cars are gone, its as simple as that, I own 4 of them and even I know that.

[@daviewhatley3665]

It's our history x

[@user-gd7kc4pk1r]

yes we must keep up the fight to keep all classic car's on the road no matter what or we will not have a big part of our past with us .

[@stuartdavies5191]

Absolutely brilliant interviewing by you Steph. Many Thanks for sharing these really important issues 👍

[@melvynwoodman5787]

He could not resist getting a preach in regarding zero emission conversions that go against everything the classic car movement should believe in.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

“should believe in”. Nice gatekeeping…

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

Absolutely fine if you want a hot rod I guess and obviously original in a milk float.... But internal combustion engines so so important. Wonder if he'd advocate converting a Stanley Steamer or steam Traction engine to diesel

[@tomwinch9107]

​Surely the flying scotsman would be much better if converted to use the overhead lines ... :-P

[@dungareesareforfools]

​@johnnywarnerperfectroad66 yes! Exactly the sort of example I use. Such as - how valuable would e.g. a Lotus Cortina be now, that had a turbo diesel engine fitted 20 years ago "because of the environment"?

[@callum-jim-p]

@@dungareesareforfools Completely different to swapping in for a battery.

[@deangaryjames]

Thank you Steph

[@andywilliams8636]

On classic cars, motorcycles and commercials. They are generation specific , for example, prices for old British motorcycles are falling because the generation who rode them is now passing away, Japanese motorcycles of the seventies are now the main market. My motorcycles are seventies and eighties and are now historic class and I will use them for as long as I am physically able, what happens to them afterwards is unknown. The availability of fuel and insurance will need to be considered as well as clean air legislation, enjoy them whilst we can, lobby the rule makers but let's be realistic about their use.

[@michaelbressette2599]

I haven't seen a Marina in so SO LONG. I only seen a few of these in my lifetime. I live in Canada & I often did see many British cars here back in the 70's but then they just suddenly vanished. I will be surprised if I ever see one again. Shame really because I really did like British cars a lot. I wish you success in your endeavor to make change so these old classics dont get pushed deep into a cave never to be seen again.

[@markwade1376]

Superb interview Steph, thanks for posting.

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

Well said Steph, particularly your conclusion 👍 Will add this video link to my two club sites now... All the best and keep up the good work Johnny

[@allanmollison6971]

Thanks for sharing Steph, you're looking lovely 😊👍

[@williamwade641]

His days are numbered.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m not here to try and argue the toss on who is next government. I just wanted our thoughts, the normal people, to be heard.

[@johnpoile1451]

Unfortunately Harper saw you as an easy dupe to spread his electioneering misinformation.

[@colinhutchinson5282]

1st mistake - "classic" does not depend on age, doesn't have to be "old enough". Unfortunately also VERY open to interpretation.

[@houseofgill]

Excelent interview Steph.

[@jamesdecross1035]

Steph, your sounding so highly motivated. It’s fantastic, we need people like you. Thank you!

[@idriveaclassic]

I give a massive damn, that’s why. If Shadow Minister gets into power, I’ll be asking them for time too. It’s worth noting I got invited to this, I didn’t ask, but it’s totally spurred me on.

[@tomwinch9107]

​@@idriveaclassic, thanks for being such a driven force - both for style and classic car ownership! If you want to push this further up the political agenda, it might be worth asking if you could discuss this with the shadow secretary of state for transport - she's the Sheffield Heeley MP, Louise Haigh. It would be interesting to see if a relatively young MP with more interests in policing than classic cars could be lead to a greater understanding of the need to keep classic cars on the roads and keep repair skills alive. The environmental benefits of not scrapping a car, but keeping one running for a usually limited mileage, far outweigh the marginal improvement in real world miles per gallon!

[@philiptidmarsh]

I find the fact they are looking to support the conversion of classics to ev's very concerning as it makes no sense from a financial or enviromental point of view in my opinion. How long before that is mandated in the same way as the legislation regarding new cars being Ev's is mandated ?

[@andrewcooney2387]

Classic cars are gone it's over.

[@rocklover7437]

The new electric conversion and batteries have a new carbon footprint.The old engine paid it's carbon footprint years ago after it came out the factory .

[@GilesMartinMagnatum]

The Mulliner bodied Phantom in segment one is sweet 😀

[@colintaylor7733]

Well done Steth...good catch.

[@deanosaur808]

There will always be a future for classic cars, but there will definitely be fewer of them in future.

[@karlgt9989]

Yes the younger generation need to be taught basic car maintenance as part of the school curriculum, changing a tyre, checking fluids etc but for those in their 30's/40's/50's who can actually now afford to buy their dream car from their childhood, how do you support their knowledge and maintenance for the vehicle? Keeping a car on the road for longer is surely more environmentally friendlier than constantly changing your car every 3 or 4 years.

[@robertchapman6795]

Great work as always Steph. You’re a breath of fresh air! Keep enjoying IDAC, as all of your viewers do. Always full of entertainment and information! Love from Australia. 👍

[@19892CV]

Nice interview Steph

[@charlesyoungblood1402]

Save them at all cost . They are our motoring heritage !

[@andrewcooney2387]

It's over, it was great fun to see the classic car shows which I enjoyed so much, but it's all over now. Some cars will be museums but the other 95 percent will be crushed and dumped. Its a sad but simple fact of life.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

Scaremongering nonsense.

[@deanosaur808]

@andrewcooney2387 so the tens of thousands of minis, minors, mgbs, beetles etc totalling more than 100 thousand will be crushed?? Are you crazy? 😂 No chance! There's classics have very low mileage and generate a fortune for the economy. Some will eventually meet their fate, but not 95% of those that are already over 40 years old.

[@DPNTV]

Good video all classic modern classics are important to protect

[@championn3c574]

He talks a good game.

[@frederickhauser2783]

Hi Steph , Great tip about Cable ties

[@russthebiker]

So many of the skills used in classic cars can be useful in so many other spheres

[@leedale4008]

The DVLA is like pushing Custard up hill.

[@JimmyF500]

I've never heard of this guy? 😁. Where is the fun in having a reliable car, think of the drama of a breakdown. Naughty boy Danny for not having expected a breakdown and having a back up 😄. I am not in the UK but the green lobby don't want to see classic or otherwise vehicles and ASSUME they are bad.

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha my minor is pretty spot on. I prefer it that way 😂😂

[@JimmyF500]

@@idriveaclassic Should have said I was referring to Mr Hopkins there. Well yes stuck on the side of the road (maybe in the rain) with a broken starter ( and auto) is not most people's idea of fun too, but it doesn't phase others.

[@chriscansdale6389]

As an overseas viewer, what's this ULEZ all about? Im in Australia and once registered, safety and compliance fall solely on the owner without annual testing. We dont have any restrictions on where you can drive anything..

[@helenlloyd6564]

U L E Z. is ultra low emissions zone. An idea created by Sadiq Khan past and newly elected mayor of London for the third time last month😮. In his wisdom supposedly to reduce traffic carbon for cleaner air quality. It covers a radius of a few miles around Central London. In which you pay a charge of £12.50 a day. It had generated £26 million in its first month. Because it generated so much money London has made the zone bigger to make even more money. This is now so lucrative other city councils in the U.K. are also imposing these zones. However if you drive an E.V. it's exempt. Hope it explains a little.😊

[@chriscansdale6389]

@@helenlloyd6564 thanks, it's does. Sounds like a pure money making scheme to me and yet another way to shift money from the masses to the elite. I imagine the thing it has done for pollution is to shift it from London to the countries that have to produce everything needed to build " low/no emission" cars..

[@johnpoile1451]

Boris Johnson when he was Conservative London Mayor, not as you put it created by Sadiq Khan. Tory activists and their misinformation.

[@JJJGGG538]

​@@helenlloyd6564small correction, ULEZ was Boris Johnson's idea as mayor.

[@pauld7827]

They will 'listen' then do the complete opposite. It's such a shame that we have such low opinions and trust in politicians.

[@fishingwiththomas]

In Australia we have classic rego. Costs me $47 a year and I can drive for 60 days. Vehicle has to be over 30 years old.

[@williamgreer4087]

Is that the only option for classics over there?

[@fishingwiththomas]

@@williamgreer4087 no you can leave them on full rego and pay around $800-1000 and drive it all year round. My 32 year old BMW motorcycle is still on full rego.

[@jamesashabranner2426]

Yeah I can understand politicians

[@jamesashabranner2426]

Over here they want the old cars to have antique tags on on them driving on holidays muscle cars they turn them into hot rods or drag racers it's sad to do the more cars that way I hope things go your way and keep your old cars on the road my love to you all

[@colinhutchinson5282]

City centres with ULEZ, or other restrictions, can be boycotted !!!

[@davekirton4096]

So you don't like the idea of breathing clean air then?

[@chuckchuckles9283]

For an independant nation we follow a lot of euro federal laws and all these foreign and home grown ngo 'laws' are seriously undermining and corrupting what's left of our nation.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

The biggest threat to “our nation” is the fallout from Brexit. The single most stupid decision by the UK in living memory.

[@Thereishope664]

Sadiq Khan, a nightmare for Londoners. It won't be long before he starts to hit classic car drivers.

[@thesmallerhalf1968]

You have evidence for this? ULEZ has never been about classic cars, what a Tory minister says about ULEZ should be treated with extreme caution, it will be politically motivated.

[@davidsmith5523]

Look up eho instigated this policy and who will fine whom, should it not be implemented. You might be surprised.

[@andrewcooney2387]

He already has

[@deanosaur808]

@davidsmith5523 sure it was Johnson's idea, but it wasn't his idea to charge so much 🙄 That £12.50 will soon be £15, then £20.. nothing to do with Boris 🤷‍♀️ His plan might have been to charge £5 per month for all we know 😆 My point is, it's how it's implemented that's important 😉

[@jamesengland7461]

In the US Constitution. we have a clause prohibiting ex post facto laws; that is, what was once legal can't retroactively be made illegal.

[@idriveaclassic]

That’s interesting, so how do you get round things like banning smoking in pubs?

[@ochayethegnu2915]

What, like abortion?

[@jimcabezola3051]

I'm amazed were afforded the chance to see Jason Mamoa's Rolls-Royce Phantom EV...in the metal! I've read about it and seen a couple of videos of it in action. Very nice, indeed. My favourite little niche in the entire classic car world is learning about folks like Electrogenic and Electric Classic Cars converting classic cars into EVs. I totally agree that politicians shouldn't be lording it over the great British taxpaying public and dictating EVERY tiny aspect of what they will drive. You've made it abundantly clear that many model registrations of classic cars are in the single-digit category in terms of numbers of examples. Those should be preserved and conserved. That's part of the UK's industrial heritage! So many celebrities and opportunistic pols just want to fritter all that history away... Keep fighting the good fight, Steph! Much aloha to you...and the soldiers fighting alongside you!

[@peterriggall8409]

Whether anything happens from this or not, I think it is encouraging that politicians obviously think the classic car community are worth speaking too. We have just had a survey conducted here in Australia to quantify our hobby and this will no doubt make the pollies take notice. Good to see Danny and the Marina too. Top job Steph.

[@timneeves.6338]

There will become a time in the near future where classic cars may be limited on their use...Ulez rolled out to every town and city which is already happening and hyper monitoring of classic car usage according to the amount of pollution from the exhausts which think this is inevitable...I havnt heard anything from the Government minister that implies anything other than what EU directives are imposing on European Classic Car owners....Vehicle Excise Duty is already extortionate on older vehicles relating to the engine sizes and Co2 produced...Its getting harder and harder to keep the wheels turning...And the majority of the Gen Z generation not understanding why every vehicle is not electric now....

[@grumpy2.0]

Nearly all the Teenagers I know. Don't plan on learning to drive. One lad I speak too, as I know his parents would come over when I was doing work on a vehicle I owned. And his argument against direct car ownership was well reasoned. The only stumble I could get on him was my cars being old and third owner or higher meant that a new car hadn't needed to be made so less Carbon. They seem to be visualising a world of bland self-driving cars. Where you pay a small subscription charge to access. Like an Uber/Taxi.

[@andrewcooney2387]

True, classic cars are gone it's a simple fact of life, we have to get used to it, the fun is nearly over. Another 5 year's is all that's left maby less.

[@dungareesareforfools]

​@@andrewcooney2387are you being sponsored?

[@Extreme_Rice]

@@grumpy2.0 Realistically though, that’s what cars have always been to a lot of drivers, just a practical tool to get them, their families, their luggage etc from one place to another. Just like most people who listen to music aren’t interested in specialist hifi equipment, most people who drink beer aren’t into real ale or whatever. Fair enough really. I think there’s definitely a rule for car-sharing clubs and similar for people that it suits, and if you want fewer new cars being made then it seems like a win to have a smaller number of cars being used by more people than for each of them to own one car that takes up space to be used for an hour or two a week. I know it’s not *quite* that simple in reality because obviously the demand will be higher at some times than others, but it’s a valid model for those who want it. I’m more sceptical about self-driving cars, because I think it’s a long time until they’ll be insurable…

[@ivortoad]

Who are these people who think they own our homeland and everything unto it?

[@deanosaur808]

The trouble is not enough people vote against people like khan 🤷‍♀️

[@adamap2796]

Great video Steph. “Call for evidence” sounds concerning, hope I’m wrong.

[@graemew7001]

Nice to hear him admit that Sadiq Khan was all about the money, nothing to do with pollution. A real shame that he side stepped the 20-40 year old cars question though as that was one of the main concerns.

[@malibugrove]

Stop lying and do proper research rather than reading the Daily Mail.

[@graemew7001]

@@malibugrove Who's reading the Daily Mail? Certainly not me, or was this comment directed towards the politician?

[@davidsmith5523]

Boris Johnson created or instigated this policy and the government will fine Sadiq Khan should he fail to implement it. FACT.

[@davidjames2910]

Liar. The government required widening of ULEZ as a condition of TfL funding during the pandemic.

[@robertblair-uk4ph]

​@@davidjames2910 Yes and no. The extension to the North and South Circular was. The latest extension to the very outer boroughs was all Sadiq Khan's own work.

[@colinhutchinson5282]

Keep ICE, vastly reduce price of fuel and other running costs, sort out road surfaces. Would be a good start !

[@andrewcooney2387]

You are living a pipe dream, the classic car world is over, and nothing will change the fact.

[@deanosaur808]

@andrewcooney2387 it's only over if people believe comments like yours 😒

[@grahamdraper665]

An electric motor in a classic pure vandalism who are these people.

[@johnjtm1097]

Thanks for that Steph. Gave me lots to think about there. About the modern classics, (20-40 year olds) Our next door neighbour had a 1st generation Mercedes ML Class from 2001, (which was recently sold due to his sad death from cancer) In 10-20 years time, I'd still like to see vehicles from this era presented exactly as they came out of the factory when they were new. With the world going electric, and the sale of "traditional" fuel vehicles ending, will petrol and diesel still be available for classic vehicles when the electric infrastructure is fully developed in years to come?

Brilliant vlog 👌

[@martinowl]

How many Londoners used to die prematurely from toxic air in the ages before ICE vehicles became widely used?

[@DoctorAlex1]

A very worthwhile video :)

[@pauld7827]

The government want to stop the 'little man' owning cars. They are not going to help, after all all they see in a classic is a 'highly polluting vehicle'. The fact that it would produce more emissions to take it of the road permanently, than it would produce in the rest of it's natural life, is lost on them.

[@yutehube4468]

Spiffing.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

Is Marina-owner a protected characteristic? 😂

[@happysnapper3676]

Don't tell them anything and don't trust them. When the government tell you they want to help you run for the hills!

[@stevebucuris8420]

nylon stockings work as am emergency fan belt also.

[@tivvy-xf4kz]

Apart from the cars and owners themselves what is going to happen to all those services and people who make a living from classic cars?? It's a big industry that won't be replaced by ev's so all that will be gone. Also ev's will kill the caravan industry. Most of the conversions I've seen are ridiculously expensive and not worth doing to the smaller/cheaper classics. Back in the Seventies in the US there were lots of kits to convert your car because of the gas crisis. They were aimed at the enthusiast doing it himself and were reasonably priced as well. Mainly VW Beetles but there were others. They didn't use expensive electronics either but batteries were lead acid so range was limited.

[@madhatter8253]

What worries me is , if they stop doing petrol and make them electric

[@ochayethegnu2915]

That’s not going to happen. Don’t fall for the scaremongering.

[@paullacey2999]

I just see it as goverments and councils fleecing car drivers nothing more or less.If you stood behind a car in the 70s fumes would have knocked you out,and there were millions of cars running on lead petrol without catalysts of today.....All these zealots never want to tackle shipping or aircraft pollution or factory emmissions for some odd reason.

[@prins_af_danmark]

POLITICIANS!

[@andrewcooney2387]

Changing to electric is beyond the scope of 99 percent of owners of classic cars so already 95 percent are coming to an end anyway, cost of ownership will end the hobby anyway. There is no way forward, its as simple as that.

[@dungareesareforfools]

Of course, all cars need to be electric. We should all just roll over and let any sense of purpose be extracted from our lives.

[@deanosaur808]

It's not gonna happen so easily. Probably true though for cars made in the last 10 or 20 years

[@44lrc]

What on earth are you doing here? Instead of making negative comments about how we'll all be unable to drive our classic cars, why not make some positive contribution or comment as to how this (perceived) situation can be changed?

[@chilternman]

I have a modern classic and BEAT ULEZ. TFL did not want to meet me at the adjudicator and dropped it. Strangely I have been out and about a bit since and no further tickets. Happy to send you my 3 page argument if of interest?

[@idriveaclassic]

I would actually love to read this! I’m stacked this week but I’m going to try and get through it. Please do email me.

[@MLC...]

EV conversions on classics are sacrilege! It basically destroys the classic car originality, the historical context, the classic car experience, the livelihood of people in the industry that maintain these vehicles and also the value of the vehicle. I am sure that people who do these conversions actually really hate classics.

[@dungareesareforfools]

Yes on all points. These selfish people are not only depriving future owners of real engineering heritage, they're also making it harder for other classic owners by supporting the demise of the infrastructure.

[@callum-jim-p]

That seems like a very narrow-minded view - and probably puts so many people off interacting with the classic car community.

[@dungareesareforfools]

I'm not sure how; the only way they'll encounter that view is if they say "Hey, what is your honest opinion on this classic that I've stuck an electric motor in?" When I first heard of it being done I thought it was interesting and impressive from an engineering point of view, but there's too much of it going on now. Like I've said elsewhere, imagine if all the classics around now had 20 year old "modern" engines fitted.

[@j.j.1064]

Around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely every year due to toxic air, and the report published today shows that the Mayor's air quality policies, in particular the ULEZ and LEZ schemes, are having a transformative impact - cutting the number of older, more polluting vehicles seen driving in London and reducing the levels ...10 Feb 2023 The government's own website.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

@@dogbreaththe3rd851 Stop watching GBeebies.

[@j.j.1064]

@@dogbreaththe3rd851 While I appreciate brevity, discourse requires more substance than a single word retort. Engaging in constructive dialogue entails presenting evidence, reasoning, and engaging with opposing viewpoints. Your dismissal undermines the opportunity for meaningful exchange. I like others, have presented detailed arguments supported by government data and citations. Your one-word rebuttal falls short in comparison. Let's elevate the conversation with substantive contributions rather than resorting to mindless jibes. I extend an invitation for you to present your perspective with clarity and depth. I hope your handle is not a mirror of the content of your dialogue. Have a great day.

[@deanosaur808]

The toxic air you speak of is mostly from vehicles that are under 25 years old. So, you can exclude classic cars being the cause of these deaths 😉

[@j.j.1064]

@@deanosaur808 your probably right. Which is why classic car owners should not be bothered by ULEZ. That minister was clearly scaremongering for a cheap photo op.

[@robertsmith9810]

NOT if starmer becomes PM

[@davidsmith5523]

Do you realise that Boris Johnson was behind Ulez and should Sadiq Khan fail to implement it, the governmrnt will fine him? FACT.

[@gwheregwhizz]

You can blame the Tories for many things, but read the list of cars scrapped (not even dismantled for spares) under Labour's 2009 scrappage scheme and tell me you trust them with classics. It will happen again when the next government look for a 'carrot' to push people towards electric, so enjoy those 80s and 90s cars whilst you can 😢

[@davidsmith5523]

Boris Johnson instigated Ulez and Sadiq Khan will be fined by this Conservative Government if he fails to implement it. Look it up.

[@rogerdonaldsullivan1424]

As gretter would say HOW DARE YOU

[@idriveaclassic]

I don’t get it?

[@iansutherlandcraig]

@@idriveaclassicA little poke at Greta Thunberg, I imagine.

[@huleeyaxerssius7]

@@idriveaclassic They'd be referring to greta thunberg's famous line, where she says "How dare you". But yes, classic cars are indeed an improtant, and much loved thing with many of us.

[@iansutherlandcraig]

As ever, great video.

[@JazzBoat_]

tories 🤢🤢🤢

[@tug1345]

Maybe petrol stations in an around cities could start supplying sustainable fuels, so when someone with cars 20 years and older go into cities they can fill their car up with that fuel so when they are driving in the city area they can be as clean as they can be

[@stephenport4768]

I've got the answers leave classic cars well alone good to hear from the transport secretary but we could have Labour forming the next government we all know they're anti car and this pay per mile initiative will be crippling to all motorists

[@ochayethegnu2915]

As opposed to the Tories who are anti-people…

[@stephenport4768]

@ochayethegnu2915 yep, they've lost their way in true political style, wouldn't trust any politician period

[@sewind6613]

Over three minutes in and I have no idea what he's on about. Can't waste any more time on this. Bye. (Love Steph, though, of course).

[@Richard-Bullock]

Steph thank you for highlighting this subject. A subject that is obviously very important to us, your subscribers and viewers, as well as the wider classic car community. It would further our vital cause so much more if your fellow KZbinrs within the (classic) car interest group if they pick the torch up here, and run with it.

[@alancrisp1582]

🥱Typical government politician . How to talk for 10 plus minutes, and say absolutely nothing intelligent 🧠. I really fear for the future 🔮 of classic vehicle ownership !!...

[@idriveaclassic]

I asked the questions and as I say, I was sad I didn’t get my biggest concern answered: the future for vehicles under 40 and over 20. The ULEZ targets.

[@johncanna7856]

@alancrisp1582. In my view you've hit the nail on the head. And as for Mr Harper, I wouldn't trust him an inch. Classic car owners, be on your guard. The future isn't looking too rosy.!!😖

[@neilrobi]

I think one of the problems coming is going to be a lack of skilled mechanics who understand old vehicles.

[@peterdawson2384]

Londoners need to stand up and get rid of Khan.

[@davidsmith5523]

Lol Boris created these policies and Government will fine Sadiq Khan should he fail to implement them. You are sadly misinformed. Look into it.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

Yeah, but it’s much easier to slate the brown socialist than acknowledge actual facts, isn’t it?

[@deanosaur808]

@davidsmith5523 sure Boris created it, but he didn't say it should cost £12.50 per day 🙄

[@deanosaur808]

Those that did bother to stand up and vote voted for Mr khan 😅 The trouble is that not enough people bothered to vote, and the Tory candidate had no hope of winning 🤷‍♀️

[@davidsmith5523]

@deanosaur808 I would use my classic away from London and the extensive public transportation options inside London.