*Front Page News— TfNSW new HVS regulations.

On this page news worthy events will be posted as details become available to the NSWSMA,,

TRANSPORT for NSW HVS Regulations for Period Options, Accessories & Safety Items

October 2020

Changes in the TfNSW approach mean that SMA’s previous advice on eligibility for HVS has been withdrawn .The basic rules as set out on the RMS website https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/vehicle-registration/how-to-register-a-vehicle/historic-vehicles/registering.html still apply as well as the allowable items listed on the TfNSW letter.

a) Club letter of introduction to new TfNSW HVS Regulations

b) Proposed options for discussion.
Historic Vehicle Scheme period options, accessories and safety items – Historic vehicles – How to register a vehicle – Vehicle registration – Roads – Roads and Maritime Services (nsw.gov.au)

The basic rules for HVS eligibility are available on the RMS website at:

: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/vehicle-registration/how-to-register-a-vehicle/historic-vehicles/registering.html

Removing or altering original components of a vehicle and replacing them with something that was not original is clearly a breach of this basic rule.

However

There are some exceptions listed on the RMS page above and Transport for NSW has now produced a further list of allowable accessories and upgrades in the form of a factsheet available at: https://southernmotoring.com/wp-content/uploads/HVS-Factsheet.pdf

This document is subject to further amendment as all NSW approved HVS clubs are invited to submit enquiries and suggestions for improvement.

The intention is to assist clubs and their registrars.

The list may grow but there will inevitably be vehicles that pose difficult questions for registrars. Clubs may make their own by-laws but cannot approve a vehicle for HVS if it breaches any of the published rules.

Clubs may request advice from TfNSW by emailing to:  industryengagement@rms.nsw.gov.au.

Finally NSWSMA advises clubs to adopt the rule: “When in doubt use the Classic Vehicle Scheme to register vehicles that may not be eligible for HVS”.

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How the rest of the world preserves their motoring heritage. FIVA.

The “Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens” (FIVA) was founded in 1966 in response to an idea formulated by a handful of organisations representing the interests of historic vehicle enthusiasts within a number of different countries. The founders felt that the time had come for an international body to promote and guide the interests of the historic vehicle movement throughout the world. At present FIVA federates member organisations in 71 countries throughout the world, which in turn represent many millions of historic vehicle enthusiasts.

FIVA News The big question:

Will we still be able to drive in 20, 30, 50 years? FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) poses the biggest question facing the historic vehicle community today:

In 20, 30, 50 years’ time, will we be allowed to drive historic vehicles at all? “We can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to our future motoring freedom,” says FIVA President Patrick Rollet. “Congestion, pollution and road safety issues – all legitimate concerns – are contributing to the potential demise of motorists at the wheel of their own vehicles. Yet it’s the historic vehicle that is most at risk, despite their almost negligible effect on pollution and congestion, and our excellent safety statistics – while generating significant economic, social and tourist benefits.”

…and will there be people to drive them? “But it’s not just a question of whether we’ll be allowed to drive. Perhaps the even bigger question is whether there will be drivers to use them; or, with the advent of autonomous vehicles, are drivers becoming ever more ‘historic’ themselves?”

Why does it matter? “For the enthusiast, the answer is obvious,” continues Rollet. “The pleasure we get from owning, maintaining and using our classics is beyond description, but there’s a far wider social importance to keeping historic vehicles on our roads. They are part of our technical, scientific and cultural heritage (as the partnership between UNESCO and FIVA demonstrates) and the world would be a poorer place if such vehicles could only be seen in static museums.”

What can be done? “The future of historic vehicles isn’t simply that of used vehicles, but of recreation and pleasure; ownership isn’t based on economics but on passion,” states Rollet. “We see several simple steps to help us keep driving, 50 years from now.

“First, we must target the young. Clubs around the world are arguably in the last throes of a golden age, seeing a sad decline in new members because of the lack of younger people. Young petrolheads still exist, but all they need to organise a gathering are a few Facebook messages: no road book, rally plates or fuss. Likewise, they use their informal network to find a mechanic or surf the web for parts, so why join a club?

“Too many clubs ignore these profound technological and sociological changes, mismanaging their efforts to attract young people, to welcome them and satisfy their desire for informal, fuss-free events. Many clubs ostracise youngtimers, both vehicles and members. They organise hidden outings, almost out of sight, whereas a display of historic vehicles offers a marvellous museum in movement – free of charge – to delight and fascinate passers-by.

“We won’t renew our numbers waiting patiently for them to come to us because, like Godot, they will not come. We must change our habits: create a ‘young’ section in the club, run by a younger person, to design simple, dynamic and fun outings; ensure there are several under-40s on the main committee; enjoy the Vintage movement (fashion, accessories, etc.); organise free presentations at events – with commentary – for the public; team up with popular events run by others (planes and old cars, rail and yesterday’s road…); exhibit at hypermarkets or fairs, wherever there is an audience, especially young people. We must show our vehicles.

“Next, we must tell a story, because every historic vehicle has a fascinating tale to tell, of much more interest to the general public than the cubic capacity or number of valves.

“And it’s vital that we avoid being too narrow in our definition of historic motoring. You might only be interested in Vintage Bentleys, but please don’t criticise your neighbour’s passion for mopeds, or microcars, or buses, or customised American muscle cars in fuchsia with turquoise stripes. They’re all an important part of our history, our culture, and the rich diversity of classic vehicles on our roads. No one disputes the value of authenticity – and FIVA will continue to applaud it – but beware the risk of seeming elitist, when young people often want to own a historic vehicle simply because it is different: quirky, unique, even iconoclastic.

“At a recent seminar, Michael Abele, in charge of social networks at Mercedes-Benz Classic, proposed an answer to the authenticity-vs-inclusiveness debate. Indicating a 190E with big chrome wheels and low-profile tyres, he suggested, ‘Don’t criticise; respect. Listen… and then educate’. Very wise advice.

“Finally, and above all, keep enjoying your motoring, and communicate that pleasure to others, because it’s down to us, as individual enthusiasts, to ensure we don’t lose the right and the ability to drive on the roads 50 years from now.”

The FIVA Organisation

https://fiva.org/en/fiva_organisation/embed/#?secret=OmrcohGsh0