Police tackle problem of unsafe caravans and trailers on the road

Police launch campaign to remind caravan and trailer owners to undertake safety checks before hitting the road.

Owners are being urged to make sure that their caravans, trailers and campervans are roadworthy, especially if they may not have been used for more than a year, to help avoid incidents on Devon and Cornwall's road network this summer.

On Friday 28 May, caravan and trailer check sites will be in operation near Tiverton, with education events being held at Exeter Services.

As part of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, Devon and Cornwall Police is committed to making the region's roads free of all fatal and serious collisions by 2040 – and caravan and trailer safety plays a major role in this vision.

Alliance MPC Phil Saundercock from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Due to the current uncertainty surrounding international travel, more people than ever before will opt for a 'Staycation'; this has seen a rise in sales of second-hand caravan and road users deciding to purchase a caravan for the first time.

"Naturally this will lead to a large number of caravan users visiting Devon and Cornwall, but before you travel you must make sure that you have undertaken all necessary safety checks."

A list of simple checks can be found on the Government website and includes advice on how to avoid hazardous situations including rolling or jackknifing; guidance on the speed limits and weight considerations you must adhere to; and which lanes you are allowed to use on the motorway.

The Alliance Roads Casualty Reduction Team have also helped create this video on YouTube which covers all the caravan safety tips you need before going on holiday after the lockdown.

In support of this campaign, Highways England, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and officers from the Alliance Roads Policing Team will carry out mobile patrols and proactively target those who tow caravans, trailers, and campervans that may not be roadworthy.

MPC Saundercock added: "Officers will be on the road, in both marked and unmarked cars to spot any issues and to educate those pulling caravans and trailers. It is vital for all road users that what you are pulling is roadworthy, secure, and has correct weight distribution.

"Drivers need to check their trailers and caravans thoroughly before they hit the road, especially if they have not been used for some time, even perhaps laid up since summer 2019."

The team will be tweeting from the Alliance Roads Policing account on the 28 May. Please follow @RoadPolAlliance for rolling updates as the operation takes place.