Federation makes formal representation supporting historic vehicle gatherings at Selsey East Beach car park

Published: 05/03/2024

The FBHVC has recently written to Chichester District Council concerning their ban on gatherings of classic and historic vehicles at one of its car parks.

For over 13 years, Manhood Classics (named after a peninsula in the southwest of West Sussex) has met one Sunday a month in East Beach car park, Selsey. These meetings have proved very popular and there appear to have been no complaints or allegations of disorder.  

As reported extensively in the local and national media, Chichester District Council has written through their lawyers to the Group’s organisers telling them to stop on penalty of sanctions and penalties.

Whilst those attending the gatherings have done so on the basis of parking their vehicles at the venue, the Council assert that the use of the car park for organised events is in breach of regulations governing the car park and they have no policy currently for their car parks to be used in such a manner.  

The Federation’s concern is obviously with any restriction on the use of historic vehicles and it has written to the Council both to express concern at the handling of this matter and to request the situation is regularised as quickly as possible.

The FBHVC welcomes the indication that the policy on the use of its car parks for events is on the Council Cabinet agenda and has requested the support of the Leader of the Cabinet to ensure a favourable outcome.