NCC reacts to caravan MOT debate in European Parliament

by Chris Jefferies
Proposals to apply an MOT test to new touring caravans have been met with a frosty response from the National Caravan Council (NCC).
The industry body has reacted to discussions that are currently taking place within the European Parliament.
Plans for a roadworthiness test have been floating around for some time, but the latest development singles out touring caravans for particular examination.
MEPs have rejected the European Commission’s proposals for tests on all trailers under 2,000kgs, but voted in favour of further testing and legislation to be applied to caravans under this weight.
John Lally, Director General of the NCC, said: “There does not appear to be any evidence to justify on safety grounds – or otherwise – the strange last-minute decision to apply an MOT regime only to trailer caravans from the 02 category.”
If approved, the roadworthiness package would lay down minimum EU standards on testing frequency and introduce a risk-based system for roadside inspections.
What’s more, rules would be set for suspending vehicles or cancelling registration certificates when standards are not met.
A plenary vote on the roadworthiness package is due to take place in Brussels next month and the NCC has reiterated its opposition to such a move.