Drivers staying in the UK this bank holiday have been warned to carry out a series of simple safety checks – or risk a £2,500 fine, three penalty points and even a ban. With thousands of families expected to take staycations and head off for breaks, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has highlighted the checks motorists should make before setting off.
Government guidance says motorists can be fined up to £2,500 for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. They can also face three penalty points and disqualification from driving. The warning covers anyone towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox with a car. Officials say a few minutes spent checking the set-up before departure could help prevent a potentially costly problem – as well as reducing the risk of a dangerous incident on the road.
Check the tow connection and tyres
Motorists should make sure the trailer is correctly coupled to the towball or pin and that the coupling height is correct. The electrical cable and plug should also be checked for damage. Particular attention should be paid to the breakaway cable or secondary coupling, which is designed to activate the trailer's brakes, where fitted, or stop the trailer if it becomes detached from the car.
The DVSA says the cable should not be worn or damaged, should have enough slack to avoid applying the brakes accidentally and must not drag along the road. The tyres on both the car and trailer should be checked for cuts and bulges and inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure for the load. They must also have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. Wheel nuts and bolts should be tightened to the correct torque, while trailer mudguards need to be secure.
Check lights and avoid overloading
Drivers should check all trailer lights and indicators before setting off. The DVSA says there should be no damage and all lights must be working correctly. A faulty lighting system can leave a trailer difficult for other motorists to see, particularly in poor weather or after dark.
One of the biggest dangers is putting too much weight into a trailer or caravan. The load should be distributed evenly and securely, with drivers checking that the trailer is not overloaded. The vehicle manufacturer's plate gives important weight information, including the maximum permitted weight of the car and trailer combined, as well as maximum axle weights.
Take care if the trailer starts to snake
Motorists are also being warned about what to do if a trailer begins to sway or snake. The DVSA says drivers should ease off the accelerator and reduce their speed gently. Snaking can be a sign that the vehicle is travelling too quickly or that the trailer has been loaded incorrectly. Drivers should avoid harsh braking on bends because this can make a trailer unstable. There are also special rules on motorways – a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes.
Motorists who are unsure about their trailer can also make use of a free safety check through the National Trailer and Towing Association scheme. The scheme covers trailers up to 3,500kg and is designed to highlight problems that need fixing before a journey. The Government also warns that the rules on what motorists can tow depend on when they passed their driving test, so drivers should check that they have the correct entitlement before setting off.
