James and Chris then drove to HMV Oxford Street where members of the Military Wives Choir were waiting to welcome them and sing some carols for the assembled crowds.
The Military Wives Choir, stars of the BBC series The Choir, have recorded a single called Wherever You Are, which is expected to be this year’s Christmas Number One. Proceeds are being donated to the Royal British Legion and SSAFA Forces Help.
Press and TV were there in force, and photos are in our Photo Gallery
The IMPS Board would like to draw members attention to the consultation document issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding proposals to extend MOT exemptions to pre-1960 vehicles. The document can only be access trough the DfT website, via this link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-27
A press release from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, which summarises the proposals, is included at the bottom of this article, but members are strongly recommended to read the full consultation document. IMPS will be consulting with the MVT and FBHVC over possibility of joint response, but in view of the short timescale for responses the Board recommends members to respond individually as they consider appropriate.
The Board would point out that, regardless of the outcome of the consultation, it will not change the present position, where vehicle owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Even now, the current testing only says a vehicle is okay until it drives off the garage forecourt. It doesn't provide any guarantee for the next 12 months. Nevertheless, taking an MOT test is a useful discipline, even where the vehicle may be exempt.
IMPS Board
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HISTORIC VEHICLE MOT EXEMPTION REVIEW
As has been reported in recent Newsletters, the possibility of exempting certain groups of vehicles from the requirement to have an annual MoT has been under discussion since the end of 2010, with the expectation that there would be a consultation on the subject towards the end of this year.
The consultation was published at the beginning of November with the proposal that all pre-1960 vehicles should be excluded from MoT testing – this goes beyond the possible exemptions that had been mentioned in the Newsletter. We are seeking members’ opinions before responding, but time is short and the only practical way to get sufficient feedback to enable us to gauge members’ views is by means of an on-line survey, which will be on our website www.fbhvc.co.uk from early December to mid-January 2012. We ask all readers to alert as many historic vehicle owners and enthusiasts to this survey as possible by putting links on club websites, using e-circulation lists and so on. FBHVC cannot represent members’ views in the light of this wider proposal unless it knows what they are.
We have reproduced, below, the Introduction to the consultation in full (this sets out the legislative framework and DfT’s thinking), followed by a summary of the options being considered by DfT. We urge members to read the whole consultation on the DfT website: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-27 as it is not possible to reproduce the entire text.
1 Introduction
1.1 As part of the Reducing Regulation agenda and the desire to remove unnecessary burdens, the Government is proposing to exempt pre-1960 manufactured vehicles from statutory MoT test, as allowed under Article 4(2) of the EU Directive 2009/40/EC, and bring the age of vehicles requiring the statutory MoT test in line with The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988.
1.2 We consider vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1960 to be of historic interest. The purpose of this consultation is to invite views on proposals to exempt these vehicles from the statutory MoT test in GB.
1.3 Sections 45 to 48 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 provide the legislative basis for MoT testing. The purpose of the MoT test is to ensure that cars, other light vehicles (including some light goods vehicles), private buses and motorcycles over a prescribed age are checked at least once a year to see that they comply with key roadworthiness and environmental requirements in the Road Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 (both as amended). A test certificate is issued following successful completion of an examination.
1.4 Whilst it is important to ensure that vehicles are safe to use on the highway, it is also important to ensure that regulations imposed are not excessive. Currently, both the age and the categories of vehicles requiring the MoT test in GB go further than the EU Directive on roadworthiness test 2009/40/EC, which only subjects post-1960 registered vehicles to a compulsory roadworthiness test and does not require motorcycles of any age to do a statutory roadworthiness test.
1.5 The EU Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, Chapter II, Exceptions, Article 4 states: “Member States may, after consulting the Commission, exclude from the scope of this Directive, or subject to special provisions, certain vehicles operated or used in exceptional conditions and vehicles which are never, or hardly ever, used on public highways, including vehicles of historic interest which were manufactured before 1 January 1960 or which are temporarily withdrawn from circulation. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, set their own testing standards for vehicles considered to be of historic interest.”
1.6 The estimated 162,000 pre-1960 manufactured vehicles make up less than 0.5% of the approximately 32.7m licensed vehicles in GB that are required by law to have a MoT test. Two-thirds of pre-1960 manufactured vehicles are driven less than 500 miles a year.
1.7 Pre-1960 manufactured vehicles are largely well maintained by their owners. The initial MoT test failure rate for these vehicles in 2009 was less than 10%, whilst the initial MoT test failure rate for post-1960 manufactured vehicles was over 30%.
1.8 The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 already exempts unladen pre-1960 manufactured Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) from the roadworthiness test.
2 The proposals for consultation
2.1 (summarised)
[Option 0 Make no change]
Option 1 Exempt all pre-1960 manufactured vehicles from the statutory MoT test.
Option 2 Exempt all pre-1945 manufactured vehicles from
the statutory MoT test, but continue to
demand that 1945-1959 vehicles are tested (unless already exempt).
Option 3 Exempt all pre-1920 manufactured vehicles from
the statutory MoT test, but continue to
demand that 1920-1959 vehicles are tested (unless already exempt).
The consultation states that vehicles have not been separated by category or by use in the above options, so any exemption would include exemptions for, for instance, cars used for wedding hire and buses/coaches used for heritage tours.
Section VII of the ‘consultation-stage impact assessment’ that accompanies the consultation includes a statement that suggests that it will not be possible for any exempt vehicles to undergo a statutory MoT test on a voluntary basis.
We are seeking clarification from the DfT on certain aspects of the consultation, in particular on the ability to submit vehicles that fall inside the scope of any exemption to a voluntary test. This was originally an option agreed in principle by the DfT in talks earlier in the year but the extract from the impact assessment mentioned suggests this position has changed.
We value members’ opinion and urge everyone to read the DfT consultation and impact assessment www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2011-27 then go to the FBHVC website www.fbhvc.co.uk and complete the short MoT survey.
This accident is the most recent of a series of similar incidents, and I know that an increasing number of owners have decided to stop driving on motorways with their vehicles. That is an option and their choice.
However, we are entitled to use roads, such as the M20, and many will wish to do so.
But how can we make ourselves less likely to be hit from behind by faster vehicles?
While our vehicles are road legal with their standard lighting; we can take extra steps to make ourselves and our vehicles more visible, both at night and during the day.
Some use orange flashing beacons; some use other flashing lights. I am not making any specific recommendations, but wish to share an option I used on a recent 2000 mile trip across Europe in my Jeep. I simply added a set of modern lights with magnetic bases and a length of reflective tape. The photos (in daylight and with camera flash) clearly show how it improves visibility, and can easily be removed once you arrive at the show:
John Corden C.M.I.O.S.H. IMPS and MVT member.
Reigate. June 2011
As you may know, the Department for Transport (DfT) is proposing to reduce the number of categories of HGV that are exempt from testing. The details of these proposals are at www.dft.gov.uk. IMPS, along with the MVT and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBVHC) were invited to send representatives to the DfT for a meeting on 31 March 2010. The summary of the meeting is as follows:
· The basic premise the DfT is following is “if it looks like an HGV it gets tested like an HGV”. The DfT made it absolutely clear that there is no room for manoeuvre on this point! However there is no intention to remove the pre-1960 exemption. The FBVHC is considering lobbying on moving the 1960 date to a rolling date although this needs to be done at European level and may take some time.
· The good news is that there seems to be no appetite for testing wheeled armour. There is an acceptance that these should not be tested as HGV’s. It is unclear how they will be exempted. It is also possible that some very heavy and awkward vehicles may escape although this looks unlikely.
· The removal of exemptions will not be implemented quickly. The next step will be an invitation to comment on a “summary of responses to the consultation” probably in the autumn. The apparent delay is because there are other higher priority matters for incoming ministers to deal with. (There will be new ministers at the DfT whatever the outcome of the election!). Once the summary appears the IMPS and the MVT will then get the opportunity to comment again.
A meeting is proposed with Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the DfT to discuss HGV Testing and the practical problems historic vehicles can cause. IMPS and the MVT are therefore asking any members who have had their vehicle tested at VOSA stations to inform them of any problems that occurred?
Send brief details and contact information in writing to James Baxter at either jac.baxter@virgin.net or by post to:
6 Clayton
Mead
Godstone
Surrey
RH9 8NX
1. If you own a post-1960 HGV (all pre-1960 HGVs are exempt, and it is not proposed to withdraw this), then it must go through an HGV test, unless it falls into one of the test exempt categories. This list of exemptions is being reviewed, and the DfT is proposing to withdraw some of those exemption categories.
2. The DfT has issued a consultation document, which can be accessed at the website:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/mottestingexemptions/consultation.pdf
. This shows the full list of current exemptions, and those planned to be withdrawn. There are few exempt categories that would apply to Military Vehicles. If, however, you believe you own an exempt vehicle, then it is recommended you check the website to confirm the current and proposed position. If you consider your vehicle is exempt, and that the category under which it is covered is being considered for withdrawal, then you can put a submission to the DfT stating why you believe it should remain exempt, via the website (or by letter).
3. The Invicta Military Preservation Society (IMPS) and the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) are already working with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) to put submissions to the DfT, on behalf of MV owners, which particularly address:
- concerns of HGV owners, who may now have to have their vehicle tested, about access to testing stations, potentially prohibitive cost of tests, etc.
- ensuring that HGV testing of historic vehicles takes account of their design and construction at the time they were built (similar to the ordinary MoT test), so that there are not requirements to have HGVs 'upgraded' to include modern criteria, and that HGV MoT testers are properly aware of the nature of historic vehicles and apply a standard set of rules across all testing stations, but always recognising the importance of road safety.
- mitigating as much as possible the administrative impact of HGV testing for historic vehicles, such as access to testing stations; making inspectors available to inspect vehicles on site, where access to testing stations is impractical; keeping costs down, etc, but again recognising the importance of road safety.
- promoting to the DfT the responsibility of MV owners of exempt vehicles to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and do not use the exemption to put unsafe vehicles onto the public highway.
As a responsible
historic vehicle clubs IMPS and MVT support efforts to improve road safety.
Our role is to try to promote a balance in legislation that properly reflects
both road safety and the technical aspects of historic vehicles, as well
as ensuring that, where possible, the membership is aware of their legal
obligations.
The IMPS annual tour to Bethune had a slightly more significant slant to it this year, as it is the 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of that lovely city, and the 20th year of IMPS ‘Bethune’ tours, as they have become known. The municipality of Bethune once again invited IMPS to take part in their liberation celebrations, and more importantly, to represent their Liberators, the British Army in the form of the 7th Armoured Division – the famous Desert Rats.
…and what a commemoration it was. This was probably the best Bethune tour we have had for some years. That is not only my opinion, but that of a number of the IMPS members who took the time to talk to me towards the end of the week end. No doubt the weather, hot and sunny, after a very wet and stormy week, contributed to the feel good factor. That was, however, only one contributing element. The real reasons for the success this year, I believe, include a less stressful drive from Calais, with an arrival at the campsite by mid afternoon, rather than well into the evening, which gave the participants time to set up camp, and relax a little, before the evening entertainments, which included a 40s dance at the Sports Centre. This was particularly appreciated as many of those who travelled from England on Thursday and who were severely delayed by the very bad weather in the Channel. This had resulted in late arrivals at Calais, and consequent shorter nights sleep for some. A long and tiring drive on Friday would not have been popular, so the long lunch stop at Gonnenheim (and excellent lunch provided by the town), followed by a short run to the campsite at Annezin was most welcome.
The camping site itself was very pleasant, being the fields of a sports complex on the edge of town, overlooking countryside, but with a delightful formal garden alongside the sports grounds. Hot showers, toilets and electricity were laid on, albeit the power was not available completely throughout the site. Nevertheless the location was considered a significant improvement on last year.
The Saturday drive out around the local village was a pleasure, with many local people coming out to greet us, and once again, not too much driving, which can be stressful for drivers, particularly in the heat. Hence this year’s tours was more relaxed than in the past, and hence more pleasurable. A further 40s dance in the town square, and a magnificent firework display from the Tour du Roi, rounded off the day well, along with some good food from the excellent restaurants around the square.
Having said that, I think the real factors that made this year’s trip particularly good were the wonderful welcome we received from the towns and villages we visited on our convoy runs, with the inhabitants coming to their doors and windows, and gardens and streets, to waive to us and make us feel that they were happy to see us. This welcome, and the fact that we were once again back in Bethune Square for the parade on Sunday, really made the tour worthwhile. This is not in any way to denigrate the municipality of Souchez, who had taken on the responsibility of hosting the Liberation commemorations when Bethune had been unable to do so, and we in IMPS will always appreciate the hospitality we received there in the past. Nevertheless it has always been the ‘Bethune trip’ for IMPS and it was good to be back in the main square with its splendid architecture, and magnificent town hall. The Sunday Parade through the town, past the dais with the dignitaries, and Richard Beddall excellent commentary on the vehicles, in French, and the drive around the square to park in the middle, was once again the highlight of the trip. The Parade was interspersed with bands, including Scottish Pipe, Belgian Police and Bellorusse military, and this year, once again, IMPS managed to come up with a good variety of tanks, armoured cars and other vehicles, many British and Canadian, which are rarely seen in France, all of which, including the tanks, paraded through the streets, past the Mayor and into the square. It was good to see again the crowds of people lining the streets to watch the parade, and then coming into the square to photograph the vehicles and meet and talk to the drivers.
The Bourse in the underground car park was back again, this year, with many IMPS members having a good rummage around for bargains, although with the value of the Euro, bargains were no doubt difficult to find.
In the afternoon there was an excellent band concert in the square which attracted large crowds, and was clearly well appreciated.
Unfortunately the trip was slightly marred by the IMPS group leader, Tony Lawrence, falling ill on Friday, and having to visit hospital twice over the week end, before returning home early to have kidney stones removed.
Nevertheless, Tony Lawrence’s unfortunate illness aside, somehow the combination of all the factors referred to seemed to create the right ingredients for probably one of the Bethune Liberation tours we have had. What more could one ask.
Finally I must thank the Mayor and Municipality of Bethune for their Hospitality, and Bernard and Gregory for their excellent organisation
James Baxter
President IMPS
(Photos of the tour and parade
can be found here)
Chelsea
Hospital London – Sevenoaks, Kent
Sunday March 15th 2009
Organised by IMPS President,Jim Baxter, this was a very special event.
The convoy was waved off by actor Chris Barrie ( who owns a bedofrd QL
amongst his collection of historic vehicles) who joined us for the convoy
run.
Veteran cars,
historic army lorries and AA road patrols combined to commemorating the
100th Anniversary of the first occasion that troops were carried en mass
by Motor Transport
On the 17th March (St. Patrick’s Day) 1909 members of the Automobile
Association (now known as the AA) carried a composite company of Guardsmen
from London 60 miles to Hastings in their motor cars. This was an exercise
organised by the Automobile Association in conjunction with the War Office
(forerunner of the Ministry of Defence) to both raise the Government’s
awareness that motorists are responsible people, and to test the viability
of moving troops in large numbers by motor transport.
We raised £175 for Combat Stress on the day.
John Blackman's photos- Click
Here
More details Click Here
IMPS and Headorn Aerodrome have joined forces
to present COMBINED OPS - an exciting military weekend
with classic aircraft at the historic World War Two Advanced Landing Ground
of Lashenden Airfield, now operated as Headcorn Aerodrome, in Kent.
This major new event welcomes all military vehicles and is open to IMPS
members and non members.
Full details and entry forms - Click
Here
After several years in Dartford, the monthly
club night has moved to a new venue.
Every 1st Thursday of the month at 8pm.
The Glentworth Club, Lowfield Street, Dartford.
Please do come along and enjoy club nights!
.
Our current (revised 2009) Constitution can be viewed here
To help IMPS keep our website up to date, you can now upload rally reports and news items with pictures for our News Section and also photos for our Members Vehicles Gallery.
So for example, if you get home from an event
on Sunday evening, as you download the pictures from your digital camera,
you can spend a few minutes to share some pictures and some words with
other IMPS members and of course the rest of the military vehicle world.Images
must be JPEGs and a maximum size of 1.5mb – preferably in 72 resolution.
You must include a valid E Mail address and of course be a club member.
Upload your pictures
Some information
can now be obtained for softskin vehicles - the service costs £25.
Royal Logistic Corps Museum
Princess Royal Barracks
Deepcut
Camberley
Surrey
GU16 6RW
Tel 01252 833371
Include as much information you have on your vehicle, i.e. chassis number etc