This is the current state of my Beetle, well apart from the rear tyres which are flat. Despite this, I can be sure it will be roadworthy by the end of May next year.
How come? Am I finally going to find the time to fix it? Have I come into money that will allow me to pay someone else to get it back on the road?
No.
It's simply that since it was built in 1973, next year, the Government has decided that it will no longer need a MOT test. If I get insurance, I can legally take it out on the road.
This will be a short journey. Basically, down the hill across the road at the bottom and into the hedge - what with neither brakes nor steering working.
Am I wrong, or is this just madness? I appreciate that most people in charge of a 40 year old car will be caring for it but there will be some that won't. A MOT isn't much to ask every vehicle to pass each year. How long before there is an accident involving an unsafe classic and the media are crying out for all old cars to be banned from the road?
Good grief, the Daily Mail headlined this story, "Rustbucket cars made before 1977 will be exempted from MOTs", so we'll be lucky to make it into the autumn before the ban.
Good grief, the Daily Mail headlined this story, "Rustbucket cars made before 1977 will be exempted from MOTs", so we'll be lucky to make it into the autumn before the ban.