Published at 11:46, Monday, 30 July 2012

Being driven out of business? Wedding car owners protest about proposed new legislation. Outside Smiths Hotel, Gretna are, from left, David Graham, Eddie Murray and Heather Graham from Silver Lady Wedding Cars, Roger Thornley from Cars of Distinction, MP Rory Stewart and Martin Hall

THE tradition of brides arriving for their big day in a gleaming classic car could become a thing of the past if a planned change to the law goes ahead.

That is the stark warning from Cumbrians involved in the vintage wedding car business.

At present, wedding and funeral cars are exempt from licensing provisions that apply to other commercial vehicles such as taxis.

Under Law Commission proposals, this exemption would cease, forcing wedding car owners to apply for a licence. The vehicles themselves would also have to pass a rigorous test.

The costs involved in the change would be so prohibitive that most owners would simply walk away from the business, say campaigners challenging the proposals.

After making their case, they have won backing from Penrith & the Border MP Rory Stewart, and a petition of protest has been started at the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green – possibly the world’s best known wedding venue

“If this proposal goes through, our cars would be classed as private hire vehicles,” said Heather Graham, 42, of Longtown-based Silver Lady Wedding Cars, whose father Eddie Murray, 71, set up the business 25 years ago.

“The change would be totally inappropriate. We’re not running a taxi business, and these cars are usually owned by enthusiasts, and they don’t, like taxis, go on the road for hours on end, seven days a week. By definition, these cars have to be in pristine condition.

“Most people are running very small businesses, and they couldn’t cope with the extra costs that would inevitably be involved.

“If people don’t help us to fight this, in a few years there may be very few of these cars left on our roads. It’s vital that people object before consultation ends on August 10.”

The campaigners say the new law, if implemented, would mean drivers – many working just a few weekends every year – would have to be individually licensed.

Eddie, whose cars include a rare and gleaming 1950 Silver Wraith Rolls Royce, said: “It would be a real shame if this happened. The cars we use are special, most people want this kind of service to carry on.”

Martin Hall, from Gretna Wedding Cars, said: “This change will kill 90 per cent of the vintage wedding car business.”

Roger Thornley, from Langwathby-based Cars of Distinction, added: “These cars create a sense of occasion. It wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t continue to use them.”

Mr Stewart said he had written to the Law Commission to express his objections to the proposed change.

He said: “This is a wonderful business. It’s a special part of people’s lives. We need to encourage the Law Commission to think again about this.”
To comment on the proposals, see tph@lawcommission.gsi.gov.uk.

Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com