THE meddling of our Labour Government is unbelievable.

It now proposes to prevent people working on their own vehicles. All work has to be carried out by an approved garage.

This would stop you restoring your old vehicle. How many garages would be prepared to work on a classic vehicle or machinery?

Only vehicle manufacturers, through their agents and dealerships, are to sell spares which means an instant end to auto jumbles, or salvage yards.

Every vehicle is to be subject to a possession tax each year, regardless of age or condition - even a box of bits or running frame. Cradle-to-grave taxation is suggested on all vehicles, again regardless of condition.

Local authorities will be given greater powers to seize vehicles parked on private land.

The use of vehicles over a certain age, maybe only 15 or 20 years, will be severely restricted. Owners will have to submit to their local authority details of their intended trip and submit a route for approval. Councils will, of course, have to charge a fee for this.

Trips to the coast in your old buggy will be out as would a trip to the supermarket.

Vehicles over a certain age not considered to be historic are set to be compulsorily scrapped. All vehicles, regardless of age, are to be fitted with catalytic converters. All organisers of events will be forced into applying for planning permission for these events. Permits will cost from £750 to £50,000.

What do you think now about our wonderful Government?

D Wardell,

Chowdene,

Malton Road,

York.

Updated: 11:29 Wednesday, April 06, 2005