A leading Conservative MP has called for a debate to boost support for the classic car industry amid claims the DVLA are making "absurd decisions".
Greg Hands, Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham, spoke in Commons earlier this week, calling on the Government to organise a debate to address concerns from the classic car sector.
He praised the UK for having a "vibrant" classic car sector, but slammed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for "taking against them".
The 58-year-old claimed that the DVLA was forcing cars with modest repairs "onto Q plates", which applies to vehicles where the age or identity is in doubt.
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Greg Hands said the DVLA was making 'absurd decisions' when dealing with classic cars
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If a car is deemed to need a Q plate, any vehicle registration number will become invalid and drivers must not display it again.
Hands, who is Minister for London and Minister of State for Trade Policy, said this was even happening to vehicles where the owner decided to install seatbelts to make them safer.
He added: "From attending the HCVAs (Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance) Heritage Matters Day during Easter recess and from my own inbox, the problems do seem to be getting worse.
"I've raised this in the Transport Select Committee numerous times, but the problem isn't going away.
Greg Hands said he would continue to fight for the classic car sector
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"So can we have a debate in Government time to iron out these issues and ensure the Department for Transport gets a grip on the DVLAs attitude to the classic car sector?"
Among the classic car community, the indicator can be seen as controversial given that vehicles with numerous new parts, such as a vintage car, could be designated as needing a Q plate.
Drivers are also required to notify the DVLA about any changes they have made to the vehicle, including inspection reports and build plans, according to the RAC.
In response to the question from Hands, Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt said she would be very happy to raise the issue with Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
However, she clarified that questions for the Transport Secretary would not be delivered until May 16.
Mordaunt, who was one of the strongest competitors in the Conservative leadership contests in 2022, said the classic car issues were important to many UK businesses.
The MP for Portsmouth North added: "This is not just about people's own personal vehicles.
"There is an enormous export market here. And of course, British motorsport and motoring is something that Britain is very much known for.
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GETTY"So this is a very important matter and I congratulate the Honourable Gentleman for campaigning on it, and I will make sure that all relevant Secretaries of State have heard what he has said."
A DVLA spokesperson told GB News: “DVLA is working hard to help preserve classic cars as an essential part of British heritage and an example of British engineering excellence around the world.
“We know that there are concerns and challenges in this area, which is why we are engaging frequently and directly with a wide range of historic vehicle enthusiasts, and the industry, to ensure that the policies in place help to preserve historic and rebuilt cars for generations to come.”