Pre-war vehicles may have their requirement for an annual MoT test removed, it has been suggested.

A meeting between Transport Minister Mike Penning and members of the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group, led by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, has resolved to address the issue.

The extremely low accident rate for such vehicles, the vast majority of which are kept in pristine condition by avid collectors, means there is little need for a MoT test, the group argued.

"This review is well overdue and I welcome it," said Lord Montagu. "I believe that any date of exemption should be a rolling one."

Minister Mike Penning said: "The MoT test is important in helping to ensure that cars are safe for use on our roads. However, we need to be sure that the regulations we impose are having their intended effect. That is why I am going to look at whether there is a case for exempting older historic and classic vehicles from the MoT test.

"These vehicles are treasured by their owners who want to ensure they are well maintained, and in most cases they use them irregularly. I have asked my officials to look at the evidence on this issue and we will carry out a full consultation to allow interested groups to submit views."