Caravanning groups including the National Caravan Council (NCC), the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club have teamed up to form a new organisation to improve awareness of safe towing.
The Towing Safety Alliance’s first initiative is a comprehensive set of resources to equip drivers with the knowledge to ensure they are safe and roadworthy when towing, whether they’re pulling a caravan, trailer or horsebox.
Its initial campaign focuses on three key areas for drivers to check before they set off. These are:
Tyres: Towers are urged to ensure all tyres on both their towcar and trailer are properly inflated, have sufficient tread and are free from damage or safety concerns caused by the tyre ageing process.
Load: Check that loads are secure, evenly distributed and within legal weight limits.
Connectivity: Verify that breakaway cables, lights and electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly.
Simon McGrath, the NCC’s director of communications and stakeholder engagement, said: “Caravanning is a much-loved leisure pastime, and with more awareness and action, we can help make towing safer for everyone. We are urging all our members to embrace the campaign and share its key messages to help keep customers, families and other road users safe.”
The organisation has been launched in collaboration with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) and is not limited to caravanners. Other bodies taking part in the initiative include NFU Mutual, the British Horse Society and Road Safety GB.
Executive director at PACTS Jamie Hassall said figures from National Highways and the DVSA highlight an “urgent need” to improve towing safety across the UK. He added that the new collaborative effort will give drivers the knowledge and resources they need to reduce the risks associated with towing.
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