Government Emissions Regulation changes
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2026 8:59 am
I'm sure some have seen this, but for those who haven't...
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultat ... dO8mIoAQdg
This could have severe and probably unintended consequences for owners of modern classic cars - just think of us struggling to find parts at the moment!
I've responded with the comment below;
“Whilst I agree with the spirit of the legislation to capture blatant disregard for and circumnavigation of emissions regulation (such as DPF/ad-blu deletion), this amendment to the law will inadvertently snare well meaning classic owners with 90's/00's modern classic vehicles.
The reason for this is OEM parts for these vehicles are becoming difficult to source, and e.g. a replacement aftermarket catalyst or lambda sensor may bring emissions performance in line with MOT requirements, it may not be type approved to restore factory emissions levels as tested at point of manufacture (indeed, as we've seen from the VW emissions scandal, these tests may not be accurate anyway - why should owners purchasing cars in good faith subsequently be penalised for this?!).
As vehicles age/wear, emissions & engine performance may change slightly anyway, but enough to pass MOT standards - it's unrealistic to expect a classic car from e.g. 2001 to EXACTLY hit it's book figures from when it was manufactured. As long as it can pass an MOT test, it be demonstrated the vehicle is well maintained and no deletion/circumnavigation of emissions reduction equipment is occurring, this should be sufficient.
May I also remind that the carbon footprint of an existing, well maintained car is still infinitely less than manufacturing a new one! A modern classic car inevitably covers fewer miles than average in a year anyway, meaning the environmental impact is negligible.
I should also reiterate I am not against legislation to prevent aforementioned DPF deletion, smoky diesel remaps etc; this is a scourge and would benefit all to be stopped.”
May I encourage everyone to air their views - the classic community need to speak up and have their input about this.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultat ... dO8mIoAQdg
This could have severe and probably unintended consequences for owners of modern classic cars - just think of us struggling to find parts at the moment!
I've responded with the comment below;
“Whilst I agree with the spirit of the legislation to capture blatant disregard for and circumnavigation of emissions regulation (such as DPF/ad-blu deletion), this amendment to the law will inadvertently snare well meaning classic owners with 90's/00's modern classic vehicles.
The reason for this is OEM parts for these vehicles are becoming difficult to source, and e.g. a replacement aftermarket catalyst or lambda sensor may bring emissions performance in line with MOT requirements, it may not be type approved to restore factory emissions levels as tested at point of manufacture (indeed, as we've seen from the VW emissions scandal, these tests may not be accurate anyway - why should owners purchasing cars in good faith subsequently be penalised for this?!).
As vehicles age/wear, emissions & engine performance may change slightly anyway, but enough to pass MOT standards - it's unrealistic to expect a classic car from e.g. 2001 to EXACTLY hit it's book figures from when it was manufactured. As long as it can pass an MOT test, it be demonstrated the vehicle is well maintained and no deletion/circumnavigation of emissions reduction equipment is occurring, this should be sufficient.
May I also remind that the carbon footprint of an existing, well maintained car is still infinitely less than manufacturing a new one! A modern classic car inevitably covers fewer miles than average in a year anyway, meaning the environmental impact is negligible.
I should also reiterate I am not against legislation to prevent aforementioned DPF deletion, smoky diesel remaps etc; this is a scourge and would benefit all to be stopped.”
May I encourage everyone to air their views - the classic community need to speak up and have their input about this.
