Motorists back Wheeler Dealer star Mike Brewer over classic car tax loophole view
Classic car owners could lose a major tax discount which may save some drivers hundreds of pounds every year, according to Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer.
Hundreds of motorists agree with Wheeler Dealers host Mike Brewer that a major classic car tax loophole could soon be closed.
Under current rules, classic cars registered more than 40 years ago are not liable to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) fees.
Motorists can apply for a historic vehicle tax exemption ensuring they will not be slapped with hefty bills to use the road.
The rule also applies to some Clean Air Zone charges including London’s ULEZ scheme.
It means motorists can save by switching to a more polluting older vehicle than getting behind the wheel of a more modern petrol or diesel car.
Wheeler Dealers star Mile Brewer suggested the ruling could soon end with politicians likely to axe the “loophole”.
He told Express.co.uk: “Give it a couple of years and they will close that loophole as well.
“I fought for rolling tax exemption on classic cars. Elvis (Marc Priestley) is now fortunate enough to stand up in front of a group of MPs and give them some of our passions.
"I fought for rolling tax exemption and it did happen. I know that somewhere in the halls of Westminster. It's ridiculous isn't it, how can you stop me driving into town in a 2013 Mini Cooper and charge me high road tax.”
DON'T MISS
Wheeler Dealers’s Mike Brewer admits iconic classic car is ‘beyond saving’ [LATEST]
Wheeler Dealers host unveils simple used car tip to ‘keep cars alive’ [ANALYSIS]
Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer makes major U-turn over stolen Ford Fiesta [COMMENT]
A new poll from the Express has found that more than half (53.81 percent) of road users polled agree with Mike’s analysis.
Express readers seemed to back the ideas being ditched with many suggesting the rule was not fair on other motorists.
@Ter Minator explained: “Classic cars are less efficient than many new vehicles but you can drive them around London and any city that has ULEZ without paying a daily charge.”
@Henry8th said: “If you can afford to run a classic car. You can afford to pay the road tax and ULEZ. Most classic cars are more polluting than more modern cars. Some E Type Jags can be worth £100,000 or more.”
@Greebo added: “Close THAT loophole right now. Get clunkers off the roads.”
@Casper35 stressed: “Old bangers should pay if they are on the road. Simples.”
Meanwhile, 37.52 percent said they did not agree with Mike's suggestion and that the classic car tax rule would be retained. Just 8.68 percent of those surveyed were not sure either way.
A recent Parliament Petition called for the historic tax exemption threshold to be extended from 40 years to 20.
The Government rejected the concept but appeared to suggest the current historic tax exemption rule would not be affected going forward.
The Treasury said: “The Government has no plans to reduce the tax exemption age for classic cars from 40 to 20 years. While the Government keeps all taxes under review, we consider 40 years a fair cut-off date.”
