NEWS | Caravan Bottlenecks During Getaway Could Lead To Penalty Points Warning
Caravan owners are at risk of penalty points or a fine if they travel too slowly causing a queue of five vehicles or more warns experts.
Quotezone.co.uk says caravan owners need to check how the rules of the road apply to their vehicles, especially if they are new to caravanning, or risk fines, penalty points and increased insurance premiums.
The Highway Code’s rule 169 asks slow-moving vehicles to pull in when safe to do so and allow traffic to pass. Failure to pull over when there is a long queue of traffic behind can constitute an offence of inconsiderate driving, which can be punished with three to nine points on a driver’s licence and a fine of up to £5,000.
The insurance comparison experts say three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums, six points can add as much as 25%, and the increased costs remain until the points are spent, at least four years later.
While logjams might be unavoidable, simply pulling over and letting traffic pass when the opportunity arises should remove the risk of penalty points. But that’s not the only offence caravan lovers need to bear in mind.
While driving too slowly is not advised, speeding can also lead to fines and points – but newer caravan owners may be unaware that lower speed limits apply when they’re towing their caravans. On motorways and dual carriageways the maximum speed limit is 60mph when a caravan is hitched to the car, versus 70mph for vehicles that aren’t towing a caravan or trailer. Similarly, on single carriageways the maximum speed limit falls from 60mph to 50mph when a caravan is hitched to the vehicle.
Quotezone.co.uk highly recommends checking all caravan kit thoroughly before departure, as faulty equipment can prove costly. Inadequate tyres, for instance, can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points per tyre.
It is also worth double-checking the driving licence itself, as the loads and types of vehicles that can be pulled can differ depending on when the licence was issued and the category of that licence. For example, any drivers who passed their standard driving test for a car after 2013 will need an additional driving test to pull items weighing over 750kg.
Quotezone.co.uk’s warning to new caravan owners comes after the price comparison site recorded a 13% spike in demand for caravan insurance from January to May 2021, compared to the same time period in 2020.
Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk comments: “2021 has witnessed a boom in staycations as pandemic restrictions continue to limit foreign travel – creating a wave of first-time caravan owners eager to hit the road. Many new owners may not realise that caravans have different rules and risks on the road that come with maneuvering a heavier vehicle.
“It’s worth spending time checking the Highway Code, making sure drivers are aware of all the specific caravan driving rules and safety checks before setting off – even a test run can help drivers familiarise themselves with the heavier load.
“Caravan insurance and breakdown cover aren’t legal requirements but they’re highly recommended, especially for drivers towing a caravan for the very first time. The insurance not only offers protection for you and other drivers whilst on the road, it can also cover possessions whilst parked and enjoying your holiday.
“Window locks, alarms, trackers and clamps can be bought relatively cheaply and can sometimes help to bring down insurance premiums. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for any reductions in your premium, for example, if you have a high no claims bonus, have low mileage or are a member of a caravan club.”
Where to next?
- NEWS | Fast Growing Caravan Firm Creating Buzz in Holiday Sector
- CAMPSITES | Uppertown Farm Camping & Caravan Site, Derbyshire – Review
- CAMPSITES & GLAMPING | An Envigorating Weekend Break at Heligan Caravan & Camping Park, Cornwall
From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.
Shop related products
Cflity Camping Tent, 3 Man Instant Pop Up Tent Waterproof Three Layer Automatic ...
£76.49 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
V VONTOX Tent, Camping Tent 2-3 Man, Backpacking Tent Lightweight, Waterproof Wi...
£49.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
XJYMCOM Dome Tents Pop Up Camping Tent Automatic Camp 2-3 Person Canopy Lightwei...
£24.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Coleman Tent Octagon, 6 Man Festival Dome Tent, 6 Person Family Camping Tent wit...
£139.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Andes 4 Person Man Berth Double Skin Camping/Festival Dome Tent
£49.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Night Cat 2 Man Camping Tent Waterproof 2 Person Backpacking Tent Double Layer E...
£71.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mansader Camping Tent for 2 Man, Dome Tent Easy Set Up Lightweight Portable Tent...
£34.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Night Cat Camping Tent for 1 2 Person Man Waterproof Backpacking Tents Easy Setu...
£59.99 (as of April 19, 2024 19:13 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Alitifiy Lightweight Foldable Backpacks, 30L Packable Waterproof Small Hiking Bags & Packs Knapsack Daypack Handy for Men Women Ladies Kids Travel Camping Outdoor Rucksack Bag Pack
£13.99 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Osprey Europe Unisex Daylite Plus
£48.99 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Berghaus Unisex 24/7 Rucksack 20 Liter, komfortable Passform, robustes Design, Rucksack für Männer und Frauen
£32.29 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KAMEUN Foldable Backpack Lightweight, Small Rucksack Waterproof for Outdoor Sports, Durable Packable Backpack Practical Gifts for Men Women, Casual Daypack for Travelling Walking
£9.99 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack - 15L Travel Backpack Lightweight Bag Water Resistant Walking Backpack for Women Men
£29.99 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
POKARLA 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack Walking Rucksack Foldable Camping Sports Outdoor Knapsack for Women Men
£18.99 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MAXTOP 30L Backpack Ultra Lightweight Packable Foldable Rucksack Water Resistent For Men Women Kids Outdoor Camping Hiking Travel Daypack Handy Durable Gifts For Men Women
£15.29 (as of April 20, 2024 02:48 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
![CAMPING | Here’s How To Stay Warm In Your Tent – Warm Camping Tips [Updated 2024]](https://www.campingwithstyle.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shell0816_photorealistic_realistic_photo_of_the_inside_of_a_c_dd26c3c4-c779-4081-85b0-72e66a81b03b_1-320x230.png)
![GEAR | The Best Warm Sleeping Bags For Spring Camping Trips [Updated March 2024]](https://www.campingwithstyle.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/10-best-warm-sleeping-bags-2024-320x230.png)
