Warning to anyone towing a caravan this summer over ‘illegal' mistake that could land you with £1,000 fine

Scottish Sun

18 hours ago

The DVSA has warned that regular caravan safety checks are essential
TOW THE LINE Warning to anyone towing a caravan this summer over 'illegal' mistake that could land you with £1,000 fine
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CARAVAN owners have been warned they could face a £1000 fine for not towing their trailers properly.
Summer is now upon us, and Brits up and down the country are likely making plans to take their caravans out for a spin.
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The DVSA has urged anyone embarking on a caravan trip to complete a free safety check
Credit: Alamy
However, the DVSA urged motorists to book safety checks before setting off on holiday, to avoid fines.
"Planning a caravan trip soon? Book a safety check to make sure it's safe!" the road safety agency said in a social media post.
The DVSA then provided a link to a directory of free trailer safety checks across the UK.
Safety checks are incredibly important as they test whether caravans are roadworthy before they head out on long journeys.
The checks can identify issues with tyres, breaks and other components that could lead to issues on the road.
One rule that motorists must stick to is to ensure that they have towing mirrors which allow clear visibility of an area four metres wide from the side of the caravan, at a distance of 20 metres behind the driver.
Anyone caught towing a caravan without the proper mirrors will be slapped with a fine of up to £1000 and three points on their licence.
Regular maintenance of caravans is of vital importance, due to the challenges of towing, including risks of snaking and pitching.
Snaking is when caravans sway from side to side and pitching refers to the front of the caravan moving up and down.
Both of these conditions can be dangerous, so its best to get regular checks even if your caravan is equipped with stabilisers to reduce this problem.
Romotow is the next evolution in caravan mobile living
The legal requirements for towing a caravan differ depending on when you passed your driving test.
Drivers who passed their test before Janurary 1, 1997 can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg Maximum Authorised Mass.
Those who gained a licence after January 1, 1997 can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg.
Your vehicle should have a maximum towing capacity listed in the handbook or specification sheet.
Why caravan holidays are so underrated
CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple.
And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.
Josie O'Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated...
WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun.
She'd use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.
As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday.
No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs.
I still love caravan holidays as an adult.
In a world of doing everything for the 'gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics.
There's no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don't find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad.
I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade.
My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in.
And then, of course, there's the cost.
Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips.
With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I'm spending hundreds less than I would abroad.
I've had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I'll buy my own one day.
Motorists towing caravans must also drive at a maximum speed of 50mph on a single carriageway or 60mph on a dual carriageway or motorway, unless a lower limit is enforced.
Caravan owners are also banned from having passengers inside the caravan whilst it is being towed.
Additionally, the caravan's number plate must display its registration number, and has to be lit up at night time.
If you are a caravan newbie, or are keen for a refresher, the Camping and Caravanning Club offers a two-day course, teaching motorists essential skills.
During the course, drivers can use Club caravans to practice their skills under supervision.