Age restrictions on some imported used vehicles will be relaxed on 1 December to allow more drivers to get on the roads.

The Cabinet signed off on the move on Monday to increase of the age limit for imported used cars to five years and six years for light commercial units said Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce. The decision was taken after consultation with various industry stakeholders.

Previously, imported used cars could not be older than three years while light commercial vehicles — including pick-ups, small buses and sports utility vehicles — were limited to five years old.

The importation of older vehicles will make it easier for people to own their own cars, while stimulating the faltering automotive industry, said Tufton.

The industry has been experiencing several difficulties including decreased imports due to the global recession and an increase in the cost of used vehicles, some of which have gone up as much as 30 per cent in final sales price, he said.

The local automotive industry hit at an all time low in 2005, said Tufton, but it was the used car aspect that was hit the hardest, declining 57 per cent between 2002 and 2009.

The number of imported vehicles fell by more than half from 14,000 in 2008 to just over 6,200 in 2009.

Among those that suffered most were middle- to lower-income people who could not afford the high prices that resulted from the constricted supply.

“There’s an important segment of the marketplace, characterised by a certain disposable income, that is particularly challenged because of the increase”, he said. They now stand to benefit as the new policy allows used car dealers to “provide a more affordable product in order to improve their well-being and welfare to move around.”

Plans are also under way to ensure that suppliers provide adequate verification and registration, said Tufton. This is in response to complaints received from some buyers that used cars are actually older than recorded when sold.

More needs to be done for the industry, but Tufton said this may lead to a lifting of the ban on the importation of crashed cars. The ban was imposed by the previous minister, Karl Samuda, due to concerns about safety, the quality of repairs and rampant fraud.

Lynvale Hamilton, president of the Used Car Dealers Association, said the announcement was timely. “We do believe that we will have an increase in sales. We really need this boost”. He also said consumers stand to benefit as many will now be able to afford vehicles.

“It’s a start and I believe it’s a step in the right direction,” said Hamilton. “The step is long over due. Right now we are quite happy.”

Consumers should start benefiting as early as January, he said, but buyers should not expect a large influx of vehicles immediately as the industry is still weakened.