European Cities Squeezing Classics?

An increasing number of clean air schemes across the UK and Europe could make life hard for historic vehicle enthusiasts this year.

London is slowly militating against classic cars aged less than 40 years old. Last year, Classic Car Buyer reported on the issues Transport for London (TfL) had with its Emissions Surcharge (T Charge) website; it was letting pre Euro 4 classics younger than 40 years old into the City without paying the supplement. Tax exempt Vehicles of Historic Interest (VHI) need only pay the Congestion Charge.

HEAVY OIL MEETS LEGISLATION

Under the remit of improving air quality, certain London boroughs are beginning to price classic diesels out of their area.

Islington Council already has a diesel surcharge in place for resident parking permits, and is planning to introduce it for diesel vehicles using short-stay visitor parking.

Later this year, a borough-wide diesel surcharge of £2 an hour will be applied to any oil-burner using Islington’s short stay parking bays, classics included.

The Council estimates that between 25 and 30 per cent of the 1.59 million short-stay visitor parking sessions are used by diesel cars; by discouraging their use, it’s hoped that air quality will improve.