The Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki strongly condemned the budget measure restricting certified classic vehicles to weekend use only.

This measure, which was never discussed let alone agreed to, would undo all the sterling achievements obtained since 2003 when the first classic-friendly measures were introduced, it said.

It added that restricting vintage vehicles to weekend use would not improve Malta’s traffic or emission problems.

"On the contrary it will only make matters worse on weekends."

It said credible international studies showed that classic vehicle use amounted to only around 0.07 per cent of the total annual mileage covered by vehicles on European roads.

The federation said that as a gesture of protest and disapproval, its members on Transport Malta’s Vintage Vehicle Classification Committee would not attend meetings until further notice.