A Champion of classic cars

SOUTHPORT'S MP has spoken this week of his bid to help save some of the town's most cherished classic cars from the UK-wide scrappage scheme.

John Pugh said on Monday (November 2) that although he could see the benefits of the scheme, which was extended in September in an effort to boost new car sales, he believed many classic cars were being unfairly destroyed.

"The other day I was lobbied as Lib Dem Treasury spokesman by representatives of the motor trade to back an extension of the 'successful' car scrappage scheme, and yes I saw the arguments for keeping the wheels of industry going, employment up etc but I have to say there were speaking to the wrong guy," he told Life On Cars.

"Backers of the scrappage scheme will tell you solemnly that these cars are not that fuel efficient but precisely because these cars are loved and cherished they are not driven much and therefore pollute less.

"They could actually be the green choice. Maybe the owners use public transport or bike a bit more because they clearly are people who think motoring should be an experience not a daily grind."

Dr Pugh, a keen reader of the Life On Cars motoring column in The Champion newspaper, said that he had seen many classic cars while canvassing in the town, including Triumph Stags, Ford Capris and Rover P4s, which he believes could be at risk of being lost forever if scrapped by their owners in order to get discounts on new cars.

A number of petitions and Facebook groups have been started by motorists opposed to the scheme, which gives new car buyers a £2000 discount if they scrap old motors more than a decade old.

However both the Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers support the scheme, saying it helped boost the automotive industry in a time of recession.

"This is an extremely important decision that will inspire consumer and business confidence," said Paul Eviritt, SMMT's chief executive.

He added: "The additional 100,000 vehicles should help to counter the likely negative impacts of a return to the higher rate of VAT and the introduction of first year VED rates."

Dr Pugh, who drives around in a 1995 Toyota, is not among the 250,000 UK motorists who have taken advantage of the scheme.

Read more in The Southport Champion, published on November 4.