A classic car show’s future is in doubt as the ULEZ expansion may force people to give up the hobby.
The Classics on the Green car show in Croxley Green sees over a thousand classic cars descend on the village, but organisers fear this could be its last year.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is being expanded by the Mayor of London from August 29 to cover the whole of the capital.
Drivers who have a vehicle that does not comply with minimum emissions standards face paying a daily charge of £12.50 to drive within the ULEZ.
Kevin France, director of Watford and District Classic Vehicles Trust, said: “This year will be the last for many shows in the London area if ULEZ comes in.
“Many classic car owners will have to give up their hobby."
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Historic vehicles, including those built more than 40 years ago, are exempt but Mr France explained that many of the cars on show are “modern classics”, which would have to pay.
The 66-year-old estimated that of the 1,500 to 2,000 cars that are brought to the show, the change could take out around 600.
He added: “We usually get cars coming from miles around, and other events are the same."
“If people have to get rid of what’s called hobbyist cars these events just won’t be able to go ahead.
"For us it’s going to be debatable whether a show like ours can go on, especially at the same size."
The event is usually held in the first week of August each year, but plans have not yet been set for this year either.
There are already doubts about the event continuing, due to the age of the organisers who work a 15-hour day to run it each year and have struggled to find younger members.
The ULEZ will not be a deciding factor for this year's event but will be a major consideration in 2024.
“I could see classic car events not happening in 2024 at all in the Greater London area, some of them are two to three-day events," Mr France added.
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