Message Forums

MOTs or registration will not make much difference. Just look at the amount of motoring offences that are committed by disqualified and unlicensed drivers to say nothing about the uninsured, untaxed and without MOT. It sounds to me just like another stealth tax. I think most of us get the caravan serviced and check the wheels and tyres before going out on the road. We don’t need another charge levied on us we pay enough as it is.Trouble is these days everybody is in such of a hurry.

When you really think about it, anyone who tows a caravan without making sure it is safe and roadworthy has to be wrong in the head.  Considering that the caravan is a vehicle, very nearly the weight of your car, and is travelling close behind you at your speed, don't you feel the absolute need to know everything is OK.  And it is a greater threat than a tailgater, because it is hooked onto your vehicle and you cannot get away from it.

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by The 2 Tops on 05/9/2007

---

When you really think about it, anyone who tows a caravan without making sure it is safe and roadworthy has to be wrong in the head.  Considering that the caravan is a vehicle, very nearly the weight of your car, and is travelling close behind you at your speed, don't you feel the absolute need to know everything is OK.  And it is a greater threat than a tailgater, because it is hooked onto your vehicle and you cannot get away from it.

Bertie.

---

 

 SPOT ON

some very interesting and varied replies, agree that most accidents are caused by speed,bad driving, overloading, etc. and obviously majority of caravaners are responsible people who do check unit's competence before venturing out on road, maybe 'mot' was the wrong phrase? altho i agree with the comment about the on-road inspectors, similar to hgv's, what would they do if after checking the van they found it unroadworthy?, cost of having it towed safely away would surely be more expensive than an annual 'mot'?

i still think some form of annual check should be brought in place, and i know most vans do get serviced yearly, but like everything else, when it's left to choice,it usually doesn't get done, whereas if it was compulsory?

as for vans displaying number plates? the number of vans i have seen lately displaying a piece of cardboard through rear window is a disgrace, surely if we can afford a van, another £6 - £10 wouldn't harm us to display correct registration? how does anyone know if these vans havent just been stolen?

cheers brin

Quote: Originally posted by brin101 on 05/9/2007                              i agree with the comment about the on-road inspectors, similar to hgv's, what would they do if after checking the van they found it unroadworthy?, cost of having it towed safely away would surely be more expensive than an annual 'mot'?

---

I think it would have to depend on the scale of the problem. I got pulled over one night for having a faulty stop light on my bike, just meant getting a certificate from the garage to say it had been repaired and took it to the cop shop. I did it myself and said i lost the certificate, but if the cop wanted to pop outside etc etc!....lol

I think lights, soft tyres, number plates (as you say) are very important, but not sufficient enough to impound the vehicle, could be dealt with in the same way.

I think we all agree that something could be done, but you can bet your boots, if the establishment ever get round to doing it, we'll be out of pocket!

Also, Brin, the cardboard makeshift does not meet number plate regulations, so they can be pulled in for that alone.

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by brin101 on 05/9/2007

---

i still think some form of annual check should be brought in place, and i know most vans do get serviced yearly, but like everything else, when it's left to choice,it usually doesn't get done, whereas if it was compulsory?

as for vans displaying number plates? the number of vans i have seen lately displaying a piece of cardboard through rear window is a disgrace, surely if we can afford a van, another £6 - £10 wouldn't harm us to display correct registration? how does anyone know if these vans havent just been stolen?

cheers brin

---

It should be remembered that a number plate is not there for the benefit of the van owner.  It is required by law for tracing purposes in the event of injury/damage to third parties and/or their property, or road traffic law violation.  When a caravan or trailer is in tow, the legally required vehicle number plate is hidden, so it is also a legal requirement that the said number plate is reproduced on the rear of the van/trailer.  It must also meet the same specified criteria as for the towing vehicle.

Bertie.

Quote: Originally posted by EdandAnne on 07/9/2007

---

I think this is all out of proportion. I've pulled a trailer many times with a makeshift number plate. It's no big deal. We're talking about safety here, not the law, these 2 can be totally different. Safety is common sense, and the law........

---

Quote: Originally posted by EdandAnne on 07/9/2007

---

I think this is all out of proportion. I've pulled a trailer many times with a makeshift number plate. It's no big deal. We're talking about safety here, not the law, these 2 can be totally different. Safety is common sense, and the law........

---

I was thinking more about an offending driver getting away with causing an accident because his/her trailer number plate was not clearly distinguishable.  And where does "makeshift" end?  the law is there to be observed; not interpreted for one's own convenience.  This is typical Brit attitude; always ready to break some law, but never prepared to accept being the victim when someone else breaks it.

Bertie.