Federation update
Our National Historic Vehicle Survey is being spread over a longer period of time due to the pandemic, and we are currently conducting our attitudinal and behavioural research.
This will provide three data sets over the past five years and therefore credible trend data, too. Nationwide, 18% of adults across all age groups are interested in historic vehicles, which equates to 9.3 million people in Great Britain.
The statement ‘I would like to own an historic vehicle’ shows the highest level of responses from those aged 16-24, with 14% of people agreeing in each of the three surveys. These young adults will become our future custodians: we must capture their enthusiasm.
More concerning is that this age group shows a declining response to the statement ‘Historic vehicles are part of this country’s heritage and we should maintain them.’ There may be a pandemic effect here – four of the five age bands show a similar decline – but making the connection between mobile heritage and our national heritage is a fundamental aspect of maintaining our freedom to use classic vehicles on our roads.
The 16-24-year-olds actually responded more positively to the statement ‘Young people should be encouraged to take an interest in our historic vehicles,’ so that is a good position from which to start.
DAVID WHALE FBHVC CHAIRMAN
The FBHVC lobbies in Westminster and beyond. Call Emma Balaam on 01708 223111, email secretary@fbhvc.co.uk or see www.fbhvc.co.uk