When the legislation was first passed through parliament, the idea was to to make classic vehicles over twenty five years of age free from vehicle excise duty (better known as "road tax"). Research has proven that classic car owners tend to maintain their vehicles to a high level and therefore are not polluting or dangerous. The classic car industry also contributes greatly to the UK economy and is environmentally greener than producing a new vehicle. As with modern day car owners, classic owners already contribute massively to the treasury coffers by paying tax on fuel. So whether the car in question is an Aston Martin or an Austin, the owners are already "paying their way" and conserving our motoring heritage. I believe that that the rolling twenty five year rule should be re-instated. Thus making in 2012 a car produced in 1987 free from VED.