The celebration of the Thousand Mile Run this year, aka Drive It Day, once again showed the spirit and enthusiasm of the movement. The very many vehicles out on that day proved that we are not involved with ‘old bangers’ the government is trying to banish from the roads but genuinely cherished cars, bikes, commercials etc. This fourth running of DID was the best supported yet – thank you to everyone that took part, and that includes the spectators that waved enthusiastically as we passed by.
Not everyone is so pleased to see us on the roads however; the Western Morning News of 21 April published a letter from a very disenchanted motorist held up by a slow moving convoy. The answer is – please be considerate in these circumstances, it is vital we retain the good will of the general public. The Guide for Users of Historic Vehicles, section 4 gives some useful pointers: Click HERE and copies are also available from the secretary.
Subscriber clubs and organisations may reproduce the text of items from this newsletter in their own publications provided that credit is given to FBHVC. Photographs and cartoons may be reproduced only with specific permission. Those wishing to reproduce items can receive the text by email to simplify production if they wish. Please ask the secretary at secretary@fbhvc.co.uk
THIS NEWSLETTER IN BRIEF
* LEGISLATION reports on consultations on continuous insurance, changes to the MoT test, impounding of illegally operated PSVs and HGVs, the Right to Repair and car scrappage.
* FUELS NEWS is concerned with proposals for the introduction of vapour recovery systems.
* EU LEGISLATION reports on the successful inserting of an exemption for historic vehicles in ITS legislation. The first notice of the AGM
* COMPANY LAW for clubs that are registered companies.
* DVLA case is explained, along with location of surviving motor registration archives and a warning on the expiry of photocard driving licences.
* DRIVE IT DAY is reported with a small selection of the many photos received (only in .pdf format).
* EVENTS AND SHOWS an article on in response to several enquiries from member clubs recently. We welcome new traders and club members and
* CLUB NEWS is the usual delightful miscellany, including a large number of anniversary celebrations noted this year.
* EVENT NEWS follows with a review of the latest competitive events of interest to members. We conclude with
* COMPENSATION CULTURE a news story
* SUBSCRIPTIONS due and
* HELP WANTED a plea for tracing a car.
To read the Newsletter in full please download either of the following
Newsletter Complete (pdf)
Selected extracts are shown below
Car Scrappage
The Budget finally brought an end to the uncertainty about car scrappage. There are restrictions built into the scheme and it is voluntary on both sides: car manufacturers and dealers do not necessarily have to sign up for it and individuals do not have to use it. It is also for a limited period until March 2010 or earlier if the funding runs out. To be eligible for the scheme the car intended for scrapping has to be over ten years old, have belonged to the owner for at least a year and be roadworthy with an MoT.
The FBHVC remit is to look after historic vehicles over 25 years old: our vehicles are not the ‘old bangers’ at which the scheme is aimed – they are well maintained and cherished and we have a wealth of statistics that prove that classics do not contribute significantly in any way to pollution and greenhouses gases. At first glance this scheme would not appear to affect our members, as most vehicles that age would be worth more than the effective £1000 provided by the scheme, but of course we have to remember that these younger vehicles just might be the classics of the future as well as the future of our members’ hobbies or businesses. We do not have the power to oppose the scheme but we are determined to fight to keep our vehicles on the road and preserve our motoring heritage. With the help of our member clubs we can only hope to influence anyone who is considering scrapping an historic vehicle by education and example.
We ask all our members to help spread this message and preserve our motoring heritage as well as uphold the freedom to drive our vehicles. We have been very pleased to note that members we have spoken to since these proposals were announced overwhelming support these views.
DRIVE IT DAY
Once again we were delighted with the response to Drive It Day all around the country. There really was something for everyone, everywhere within the UK. Our website carried details of member clubs events (and some even had to be flagged as ‘fully subscribed’ before the day) and has a range of the many, many pictures that were sent in – there are even some video clips on YouTube. Very many thanks to all the clubs and individuals that made 26 April such a special day and for all the feedback about the success of the events. We have also been delighted to note the large sums of money that are being raised by clubs for charity, particularly on Drive It Day. In future we will be conducting some more research into this so please don’t be shy about the good work done and let us know how much money has been collected for good causes.
The Federation was again at the Royal Oak, Bishopstone. This pub is a superb venue with a self-confessed classic car nut for a landlord, and also with excellent food and beer. There was an official photographer there on the day and his pictures of the day can be found at www.photoboxgallery.com/martinphelps. There are plenty to choose from as we had over 100 visitors, including about 40 AJS and Matchless owners, but also ex-military, light commercials, and cars of all ages from a rare 1911 White to a modern-day Mustang.
The event is always held on the nearest Sunday to 23 April, so next year it will be 25 April 2010. This day was chosen four years ago to commemorate the 64 cars that set off from London on 23 April 1900 on the first day of the Thousand Mile Trial – an incredible undertaking and one which we believe deserves an annual celebration.
EVENTS AND SHOWS:
Insurance and Organisation
The Federation does have an information sheet which illustrates a draft entry form and declaration designed for an event where there are both static and moving displays, available on our website or from the secretary. The law requires that vehicles that are moved under their own power in places to which the public have access be insured in accordance with the Road Traffic Act. The declaration is not suitable for use for an event where any element of competition attaches to driving the vehicle. Road rallies, competitive treasure hunts and other such events should be organised under the auspices of either the Motor Sports Association (MSA) or the Auto Cycle Union which may have more specific stipulations in respect of entry form content. The MSA has an excellent website which gives information on organising event on the roads, such as treasure hunts: www.msauk.org.
The submission of a signed entry form is part of a contract between an event organiser and a potential entrant whereby the entrant agrees to participate in the event on the terms dictated by the organiser. Should a dispute or claim arise, those terms and the entry form become part of the mechanism for establishing responsibility. It is essential for organisers to ensure their paperwork stands up to scrutiny. Clubs putting on stands at shows organised by others also need public liability insurance, and again should say so when inviting members to assist/participate.
Some time ago FBHVC was concerned that some organisers expected entrants to sign declarations that contravene the principles of fair contract by seeking to hold the organisers and other participants indemnified against claims resulting from injury or damage whoever is at fault. Any declaration that uses phrases like ‘howsoever caused’ or ‘notwithstanding that the same may have been caused or occasioned by’ is likely to fall into this category. Such declarations were made illegal by the Unfair Contract Terms Act of 1977, but are still seen. FBHVC advises individuals not to sign such declarations as, in doing so, they may invalidate their own insurance.
Organisers have a responsibility to provide potential entrants with all the information necessary to enable an individual to make the decision whether or not to enter a particular event. They should thus ensure that entry forms are accompanied by all relevant details about the event on a separate sheet that the entrant should retain. In addition to the obvious details about the event, this sheet should at least include:
the name of the organising body and its status;
the names of the organisers and how they may be contacted;
a note of what authorisations and permissions have been obtained;
a note of what insurance arrangements the organisers have made (they should have public liability cover);
details of what insurance arrangements entrants are expected to arrange for themselves.
The entry form should seek all the information that the organisers need and should carry a declaration that the entrant agrees to the (fair) conditions of entry and accepts his/her responsibility for ensuring the vehicle entered is fit for purpose and is properly insured. It is quite impractical for organisers to physically check people have such insurance cover as they would have to read the small print in the policy: how long would that take? And how many organisers would understand it?
Just recently some show organisers have insisted on having exhibited vehicles’ insurance policies sent to them in advance. This again makes a rod for the organisers’ backs and should be actively discouraged for a number of reasons: the organiser probably does not have the expertise to interpret such documents and it also leads to concerns about the security of such data and what happens to it after the event is over. If the organiser misinterprets the cover shown on the insurance policy and an incident happens that turns out not to be insured – where would the blame lie?
Please note that individuals setting up stands or mounting static exhibits (such as partly restored vehicles) independently at shows need public liability insurance. Such activity is usually deemed to be covered by the public liability element that comes with household insurance, although it is worth checking, and some cut-price household insurers may expect additional premium. Individuals acting as representatives of a club should be covered by the club’s public liability insurance.
Individuals displaying motor vehicles that work and will be driven into place and away afterwards need to check that their motor insurance includes cover when the vehicle is being used as a static exhibit. Basic RTA cover is unlikely include risks arising from a static vehicle unless it is parked on a road. Most classic vehicle insurance policies do provide such cover, but it is important to check before the battery explodes on a hot day, rather than afterwards. There is a grey area for vehicles that are not RTA covered, but are nonetheless complete, such as single seat racing cars – these should really be treated as static exhibits.
TRADE AND SKILLS
As reported in the last issue, we would welcome the names of any traders that members may know, who may not advertise nationally. If any member would care to have some leaflets explaining the benefits of trade membership to pass on to local companies, please ask the secretary.
The theme for the conference following the AGM this October will be trade and skills to reflect the importance of mutual cooperation between the owners of historic vehicles and those companies who make their living working on them.
Welcome to the following companies who have signed up as supporters:
Racetorations
John Drake Ltd
Vintage and Classic Paintshop Ltd
Classic Marques (NI) Ltd
A J Hickman
G & S Valves Ltd
Dave Massam Motorcycles
Continental Car Tours
Vintage Taxi Spares
Rusper Alfa Romeo
Chesman Motorsport Engineering
I S Polson
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS
All of our member organisations are listed by club name on our website, but it is down to the individual clubs to add or amend their own details – see fbhvc.co.uk
Welcome to the following clubs who have recently joined:
Rover SD1 Club
Borderers Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club
Teme Valley Vintage Club Ltd
EVENT NEWS
Although the Federation is a strong supporter of FIVA and its events it is worth recording that other events run under the auspices of the MSA or FIA are also of interest to us and our members. Indeed we have a very close relationship with the MSA, who represent the FIA in this country. We have a close interest in events for older cars that that run on public roads and comply with the law. A prime example is the Arriva MSA Classic due to run on the 29 September this year. This is a tour, not a competition, and many places of general interest are visited by the entrants and there is even a route of 55 miles for Veteran and Edwardian pre-1919 cars which starts and finishes at Silverstone. You can get full details from the MSA at Colnbrook or www.msaclassic.co.uk
On a personal note I have just cleared my loft and find I have a lot of paperwork on events. It will take me all year to sort them out as some from the Sixties and Seventies may have a value – but if any readers are interested in getting most of the paperwork on historic events from about 1990 they are welcome to collect it or arrange removal. Examples are the paperwork from events like the Tulip, Classic Malts, Le Jog etc. You can reach me on 01666 505835 or colval08@btinternet.com. You may get more information on this in later newsletters as I discover more documents!
Despite the current economic climate there remain many competitive road events to choose from. The Historic Rally Register has started a series of events, called the 100 Series, as an introduction to road rallying. They are for one day, reasonably priced, and the next one is in Kent on Saturday 1 August. My leaflet says ‘regularity rallies don’t have to be a Mensa test for the navigator. Try the HRCR 100 series and discover just how easy and enjoyable the navigating can be’. Full details are on the HRCR website. The Endurance Rally Association is organising a more competitive event from London to Casablanca on 7-16 November. Again the club’s website gives full details about the recent recce and with new roads appearing everywhere in Morocco it has been decided to have an all tulip roadbook. The Classic Rally Association is continuing to run its popular Rally of the Tests from 29 October to 1 November. Last year’s event was tough with many tests and lots of detailed map reading but the event has a great atmosphere as it revives the spirit and style of the RAC rally of the Fifties. This year it moves north and runs from Newcastle to Peebles via the Lake District. It is the British round in the FIA Trophy for Historic Regularity Rallies and if you are interested you can get details off the FIA website (www.fia.com) if you go to Sport, Championships and then the event. This neatly brings me back to my opening remarks.
COMPENSATION CULTURE
Although the rapid increase in compensation claims for minor accidents (fuelled by unscrupulous solicitors’ TV adverts) is to be deplored, it would seem we are still some way behind the USA, judging by the following news item published on Page 103 of The Motor magazine, 19 February 1935:
Motorist Runs Over A Pedestrian – And then Claims Damages for ‘Mental Shock!’
Mr Ernest Faulkner is a motorist at Peoria, Illinois. He was out driving in his car the other day when he ran over a pedestrian named Abram Ostrander. Now (says the British United Press) the motorist is claiming £200 damages from the pedestrian for ‘mental shock.’
Unfortunately, the magazine does not seem to have reported on the outcome of this litigation.
.JPG "DID Messerschmitt")