After a consultation process that invited the views of motorists, road safety campaigners and representatives from the motor industry, plans to change the UK’s current MoT system to a bi-annual test have been shelved.

The Government announced the ‘no change’ result at the beginning of April, after considering switching to a European-style two-yearly test – with the first MoT due after four years instead of the current three. But the Department of Transport has decided that its review of garages and MoTs will not involve any reduction of frequency.

The idea of reducing MoT frequency was initially suggested by the then Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond. The proposal has been overturned, however, by his successor, Justine Greening. In a statement to MPs, she announced: “The Government will work with industry, motoring organisations and consumer groups to focus on the reliability and standards of garages.”

Following rumours as to the future of the Jaguar Heritage division of Jaguar Land Rover, Ken McConomy – the company’s Global PR Director and a Jaguar Heritage trustee – has issued a statement to reassure enthusiasts of the marque.

McConomy explained: “The Jaguar Heritage trustees and JLR are aware of the increasing rumours around the future of the Jaguar Heritage Museum and its operations. I want to assure everyone that we have agreed a mid-term solution where Jaguar Heritage staff will relocate to new office premises, close to Jaguar Land Rover’s corporate headquarters in Whitley, Coventry.

“The longer term vision is that we will have an all new Jaguar Heritage museum; however we are not disclosing any further details at the moment.”

What’s being hailed as “the finest collection of significant and authentic racing AC Cobras ever assembled in the UK” will be among the star attractions of this year’s Goodwood Revival, which takes place over the weekend of September 14-16.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the legend, the 2012 Revival will feature a grid exclusively made up of Cobras and their derivatives. This special all-Cobra race will be a 45-minute, two-driver competition, and will feature an impressive mix of historically significant competition Cobras – including some of the special-bodied aerodynamic Cobra-based coupés.  

Classic insurance specialist Footman James ploughed more than £600,000 into the classic vehicle movement in 2011 via its club support – and estimates it will provide even more funding this year.

Footman James now offers club member insurance schemes to more than 200 classic car and motorcycle clubs across the UK, and plans to build on this number in 2012.

According to the company, “Most club partners use this money to support national events and rallies, while some have even used their commission payments to build or extend their club headquarters.” In addition to providing financial support, Footman James employs two classic vehicle enthusiasts – Dave Youngs and Martyn Raybould – to oversee club relations and offer advice and guidance to the clubs and the 67,000 members involved in the various insurance schemes.