JUDE'S STORY
Jude Currie, the 20 year-old who rescues cars from ULEZ
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What’s your motivation? 'I love old cars. I have done since I was a little kid. I think it is important ‘bread and butter’ vehicles of the Eighties and Nineties are preserved and appreciated especially as time has not been kind to them. They are now far rarer than older classics, with factors like the 2009-10 scrappage scheme resulting in so many being prematurely destroyed.'
Where do you find them? 'I live in Surrey, just inside the M25. In London, unusual Eighties and Nineties models, which I love the most, are noticeably more common compared with other parts of the country. A city environment, lower mileages, less disposable income and eccentric owners have no doubt played part in these cars surviving for so long, but ULEZ has largely put an end to that. There has been a noticeable decline, particularly in the poorer parts of London where people cannot afford the £12.50 charge on the days they take their cars out. I regularly go for walks around different parts of London and leave notes with my details under the wipers of older cars on, so the owners hopefully keep me in mind when they come to move them on in the future.'
How many cars rescued? 'More than 20 – all from owners who have contacted me because of my notes. Many have had the cars for years and the only reason they are parting with them is because of ULEZ restrictions, which have made it impossible to own them. When owners see someone has taken an interest in giving their car a chance, they’re emotional.I get photos with the owners to keep as part of the car
