The Governments response to their recent Road Vehicles Improving air quality and safety consultation has been published today


“Our proposal to implement stricter emissions rules for kit cars was a minor part of the package. But it raised serious concerns among kit car enthusiasts, and attracted the vast majority of the 2340 responses received. There were numerous objections, pointing out among other things the importance and value of the UK’s specialist vehicle industry. We have reflected on these concerns and have decided not to proceed with this aspect of the proposal.

The Department is keen to ensure the continuing viability of smaller specialist manufacturers, such as companies converting vehicles for wheelchair users. Their input to the consultation was a useful reminder of the importance of this sector and we will continue to respond to their concerns. I have instructed the DfT Agencies to continue their good work in this area.

Emissions approval - kit cars (Basic IVA) (Q16)

In response to the strong opposition to our proposal to tighten the rules for kit car emissions, the Department will not implement this aspect of the proposal.
We have taken this decision after reflecting on the evidence and noting that kit cars are a small proportion of the fleet, cover a low annual mileage and are rarely used in town centres where air quality issues exist.
Therefore kit cars submitted for IVA will continue to be subject to an MOT-style emissions test, using the current criteria in the IVA manual around engine build/first use date.”

a sensible decision ?, shirley that must be a mistake then ?

Don't call me Shirley

A good result - well done to all that bothered to respond

Seconded Russ
It just shows that with reasoned argument you can make a difference.
I note with some pleasure that the response quotes almost line for line comments discussed on this and other forums and clearly used in responses sent.mits a Well Done from me and a Well Dobe from him, to paraphase

Certainly - there were a lot of comments along the lines of "it won't make any difference / the decision has already been made" - just goes to show that democracy works sometimes and consultation really is consultative sometimes!

I wonder if this will ripple down to the MOT, as discussed here.

If not, there will be a huge discrepancy where the IVA allows something and the MOT doesn't.

Glad I emailed now, so reading this if true means someone like myself with a ford pinto running bike carbs can still go for iva without having to swap to a lower emissions engine or a huge bill to make the pinto suit. If thats the case I think this post has made my year

This is the link to the Government's response document

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/714540/road-vehicles-consultation-response.pdf