We do not have the power to oppose the scheme but we are determined to fight to keep our vehicles on the road and preserve our motoring heritage. With the help of our member clubs we hope to influence anyone who is considering scrapping a historic vehicle

The 2009 Budget announcement that scrappage would be coming to the UK has been met with a mixture of relief from the new car manufacturers - and opposition from old car fans. However, the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) is refusing to oppose the scheme, stating that it does not affect the classic car scene.

In a statement issued following the scheme's announcement, it stated: 'There are restrictions built into the scheme and it is voluntary on both sides: car manufacturers and dealers do not necessarily have to sign up for it and individuals do not have to use it. It is also for a limited period until March 2010, or earlier if the funding runs out. To be eligible for the scheme the car intended for scrapping has to be over ten years old and roadworthy with an MoT.

'The FBHVC remit is to look after historic vehicles over 25 years old and so at first glance this scheme would not appear to affect our members, as most vehicles that age would be worth more than the effective £1000 provided by the scheme, but of course we have to remember that these younger vehicles just might be the classics of the future as well as the future of our members’ hobbies or businesses.

'We do not have the power to oppose the scheme but we are determined to fight to keep our vehicles on the road and preserve our motoring heritage. With the help of our member clubs we can only hope to influence anyone who is considering scrapping an historic vehicle by education and example.

'Our vehicles are not the ‘old bangers’ at which the scheme is aimed – they are well maintained and cherished and we have a wealth of statistics that prove that classics do not contribute significantly in any way to pollution and greenhouses gases.

The statment issued by the FBHVC concluded: 'We ask all our members to help spread this message and preserve our motoring heritage as well as uphold the freedom to drive our vehicles.'