Back to the future - Call for evidence launched on how to future proof classic cars and back drivers

CAR enthusiasts and industry can now have their say on how to best preserve iconic classic cars like the:- DMC Delorean, MkII Jaguar and James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 for decades to come.

On Thursday, 9 May 2024, the UK Government launched a:- 'Call for Evidence' to gather views on how classic and historic cars can be preserved for future generations and boost jobs in the £18 billion classic car sector.

Since the 1980s, policies on how classic cars are registered after being restored and upgraded have largely remained the same, and do not account for improving historic vehicles with modern technology.

The Call for Evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will ask drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their proposals to help historic vehicles into the 21st Century, while prioritising road safety and retaining accurate vehicle records.

Changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting:- prospective buyers, modify classic cars to improve their performance, and retrofit them with electric powertrains.

With iconic James Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5, Inspector Morse's MkII Jaguar and the Belfast built DMC Delorean from:- "Back to the Future" firmly embedded in popular culture, this Call for Evidence is an opportunity for classic car enthusiasts and the motoring industry to have their say on how these and other motoring icons can remain an example of British excellence in the UK and around the world. Better preserving classic cars can also help drive tourism to iconic classic car shows such as:- Goodwood Revival. With the classic car industry employing around 113,000 skilled people and worth £18 billion a year, the Call for Evidence will help support jobs in the heritage car industry and help grow the economy."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:- "The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come. Alongside our record £8.3 billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today's Call for Evidence is the latest part of the Government's plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy."

The Call for Evidence is the latest measure to back drivers across the country, following £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the biggest ever funding boost to local roads maintenance as we tackle potholes and improve local roads.

The Government is also delivering for motorists through the Plan for Drivers, including:- ensuring traffic schemes like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits have buy in from local people, consulting on measures to stop Councils treating drivers as:- 'cash cows' and accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle chargepoints for those choosing to switch.

Drivers will also be able to enjoy smoother journeys following the introduction of new measures to crack down on disruptive street works, with utility companies that allow works to overrun facing increased fines, which could generate up to £100 million extra to improve local roads.

More information can be found on:- Gov.UK.  This Call for Evidence closes at:- 11:59 pm, on:- 4 July 2024.

Emily Spurrell to take official oath to start 2nd term as Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner

EMILY Spurrell has taken her official Oath of Office, on:- Thursday, 9 May 2024, at a ceremony to mark the start of her 2nd term as Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Labour candidate took 61.7% of the vote at the Count on:- Saturday, 4 May 2024, at the Liverpool Tennis Centre in Wavertree, beating challenges from 3 other candidates to secure a further 4 years in Office.

Emily will commence her term of Office, which officially begins today by taking the Oath of Office. It will be witnessed by the Police Area Returning Office (PARO) Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Andrew Lewis and officiated by the Chair of the Merseyside Bench of Magistrates JP Chris Parry. Merseyside Police's Chief Constable Serena Kennedy will also attend the short ceremony at Merseyside Police Headquarters, Rose Hill.

The oath is designed to provide a platform for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to set out publicly their commitment to serving with integrity. The declaration echoes the commitment Police Officers make to serve every member of the public impartially, while at the same time recognising the importance of the operational independence of the Police service. It commits her to represent all sections of society, to work to cut criminal offences and to give a voice to victims of crime.

The Declaration of Acceptance of Office is also an important symbol of the Police Commissioner's open and transparent approach, and the aim of being truly accountable to the public.