Kozhikode: Vintage vehicle owners bat for special laws

KOZHIKODE: The vintage car owners here have sought a special law to keep their valuable vehicles.  They have demanded an amendment in the directive issued by the National Green Tribunal  to scrap the diesel vehicles  aged over 15 years   saying that they were not driving them daily and hence could be given an exemption. The   ‘Vintagers Calicut’ arranges promotional campaigns every year, especially during  Republic Day celebrations, to promote ‘good driving’ and cleaner environment. On Thursday, a rally was held in the city for traffic awareness, said club founder Nidhin Kandamparambath.

The group has more than 50 members, many owning three to five vintage vehicles, including Austin, Triumph and Hillman. A member, M. Balakrishnan, 71,   has a  Yezdi bought in  1975. “There are many vintage vehicle owners across the state, who keep the vehicles out of passion, and the tribunal should give  them an exemption in the order,” Mr Nidhin said and added that they were planning a  meeting with the support of other owners in the state.