‘Another Brexit win’: Controversial EU law scrapped as motorists set to save £2billion

Today, a Bill to scrap the European Union’s “Vnuk” motor insurance law passed through Parliament and will go on to receive Royal assent to confirm the changes into law. The EU law could have required a wider range of vehicles beyond cars and motorbikes to have motor insurance, such as golf buggies, mobility scooters and quad bikes. 

It would have extended to vehicles on private land, meaning even people with a ride-on lawnmower at home would have potentially required motor insurance. 

However other insurance options are already available to people who need cover on their private land, such as farmers.

British motorists will be spared a possible £50 annual insurance hike, as the Government continues to use “post-Brexit freedoms” to outlaw the controversial EU rule.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps praised Parliament for scrapping the law and saving drivers money.

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The ruling directed that the compulsory motor insurance requirement must be extended to include vehicles being used on private land, as well as potentially a greater range of vehicles.

This could potentially include those used in motorsports, agricultural machinery and light electric vehicles.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Tim Short, FSM Partners at Plexus Law, said the passing of the Bill will end the “ripple effect of the event”.

He added: “This Bill will cut across the residual effect of Articles three and 10 of the 2009 Motor Insurance Directive, so far is they require the UK to have in place rules for the compulsory insurance for the use of vehicles other than motor vehicles beyond a road or other public place.

“The 2014 European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgement in the claim by Mr Vnuk made clear that the obligation on member states to enact legislation to provide for compulsory insurance for liabilities arising out of the use of vehicles extended to any motor vehicle intended for travel on land not running on rails.

“And the obligation could not be limited to a road or other public place, but extended across a member state’s territory.”

In addition to the likely financial burden on British road users, the Vnuk rules are considered unnecessary as there are already insurance packages available to Britons that cover certain risks on private land.

Motor insurance will still be required for any vehicles being driven on roads or other public places, however, the removal of Vnuk means insurance for vehicles used on private land is not needed.