The British Motorcyclists Federation has cautiously welcomed the proposed MOT exemptions for classic motorcycles, claiming that it will be keeping a keen interest on “how the system pans out”.

Last week, Transport Minister Mike Penning announced that cars and motorcycles that were registered before 1960 would be exempt from MOT testing as part of a government initiative to cut “red tape” for motorists.

The move would mean that any car or motorcycle registered before 1960 would not be required to go through the annual MOT test, although drivers and riders could still be prosecuted if they did not keep their vehicle in a roadworthy condition.

But the BMF has argued that, whilst it largely approves of cutting red tape, it found that there is a lot of public support for the MOT system and argued whether the exemptions were necessary.

BMF Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said: “Broadly speaking, the BMF is generally in favour of less legislation and regulation for motorcycle owners, but there is a very large degree of support for the MOT system and we did question whether exemptions should be made at all. We will now have to watch how the system pans out.”