Next generation of speed cameras to catch multiple offences

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by Holly Tribe

A new generation of speed cameras is being developed which can detect up to five driving offences at once.

On top of license plate recognition and speeding offences, the Advance Safety and Driver Support for Essential Road Transport (ASSET) cameras can check if the car has valid insurance and road tax cover, and distinguish whether the driver is tailgating and wearing a seatbelt from up to 150 ft away.

Caravanners beware

The developers of the Asset camera are also designing an automated overload control system. Using pads in the road to weight axles and wheels even at high speed and it can determine whether the vehicle is overloaded.

AA president Edmund King, tentatively welcomed the cameras, but indicated that he hoped they would not be deployed as a money making scheme.

“Tailgating is more dangerous in most cases than speeding so I think most motorists would welcome it.”

‘But it needs to be a safety measure, not a money-making machine,’ he added.

How does it work?

Connected to police computers via GPS, the trailer mounted devise can potentially detect misdemeanours and issue a fine instantly.

Two 3D cameras takes multiple images before sending details back to a central database via a satellite system. Images over a month old or that don’t detect any traffic violations are destroyed.

The development of the camera is being funded with £7.1 million of European Commission money and it is currently undergoing trials by the VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland.

If tests go well, the camera which is currently mounted on a trailer, will be converted to fit inside police vehicles and used on UK roads from 2013 at a cost of £50,000 per camera.

Ricky Gervais sidekick Karl Pilkington recalls first caravan holiday

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by Chris Malone

TV and radio funnyman Karl Pilkington has recalled his first memory of a caravan holiday with his family during an interview with the Independent.

The producer told the newspaper that his earliest recollection of being on holiday was at a caravan site in Cornwall with his parents, brother, sister and some cousins.

“It was a battered old caravan that we couldn’t all sit in at one end at once, because it would tip up,” he said. “It was like the end of The Italian Job.”

The comedian explained that Wales is his favourite British travel spot thanks to his frequent visits as a child.

Pilkington added that “messing about on the beach and in arcades” with friends he made on the site was great fun as a kid.

He noted that Rome is his favourite city, thanks to the fact that you can walk around and see lots of famous and interesting sites for free.

Karl Pilkington is perhaps best known for his work with Ricky Gervais and has appeared in numerous shows alongside him.

Caravan fires in Wales highlight need for safety and insurance

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by Chris Malone

The need for caravan insurance was highlighted by arson attacks in north Wales over the weekend.

According to the Daily Post, police are looking for information on two incidents, which saw caravans in Kinmel Bay and Towyn torched.

The mobile homes were located at Sunnyvale Holiday Park and Whitehouse Leisure Park respectively.

Fire crews attended both incidents, but they were too late to save either caravan.

Both attacks occurred within three miles and 60 minutes of each other, leading officers to believe that they were related.

A third, unrelated attack was reported in Bangor, where a derelict caravan was torched by vandals.

Whitehouse Leisure Park owner Mark Whitehouse called it an “upsetting incident” and revealed how the owner of the caravan was present before the fire started.

“We thank our security guard, staff, residents and the emergency services for their response,” he told the newspaper.

In other news, a family is hoping to use images from Google Street View to help them catch the culprit who stole their caravan.

Caravan theft pictured on Google Street View

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by Marcus Dubois

Police are appealing to the public for help in tracing a man over the theft of an Abbey caravan – after he was pictured next to the tourer on Google Street View moments before the theft.

The owner of the stolen Abbey Aventura spotted the potential suspect while looking at his house on Google Street View.

The unnamed middle-aged man was recorded by the online search giant’s mapping cameras standing next to what appears to be a forest green Vauxhall Frontera 4×4. Derbyshire Police have issued the snapshot of the large, bald man with spectacles in an attempt to trace him for interview.

Stolen in broad daylight

According to Sky News last year Rebecca Soanes returned to her house in Linton, Derbyshire to find her caravan had been stolen. The white Abbey Aventura was towed away from Cauldwell Road in Linton sometime between the hours of 9.30am and 2pm on June 5th last year. She believes the Google image may have been taken sometime before the theft occurred.

After the stolen caravan worth £7,000 was reported there was initially little evidence to help Derbyshire Police. A forensic examination of the wheel-clamps that had secured the caravan took place, but the investigation failed to reveal any suspects.

Eye in the sky

Yet a stroke of good fortune has helped re-open the case after the owner’s son looked up the family house on Google Street View and spotted the stranger and the 4×4 on the driveway.

Neither Rebecca Soanes or her husband recognise the man and a neighbour who saw the stranger at the time has since said they thought he was a friend of the family.

Unfortunately for the couple vital information contained in the picture is unavailable to the investigation. Mrs Soanes told Sky News Online that police could not obtain the numberplate information from Google. The search engine firm reportedly said unblurred imagery from StreetView is retained for 12 months as part of a process to improve “blurring quality” before it is permanently altered to obscure details.

PC Adrian Mason is investigating the couple’s case and said “It is amazing that we have such a clear image of a man who we think will be able to give us information that would help the police enquiry. It was an amazing co-incidence that the Google Street View car was passing at that time.

“I’ve made extensive enquiries since the image was discovered but because the registration plate of the 4×4 is blanked out we have been unable to trace the man through his car.

“That is why we are appealing for the public’s help.”

Anyone who recognises the man should contact PC Adrian Mason on 0345 123 33 33. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Caravan site generator causes problems

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by Chris Bryant

A generator installed at a Yorkshire caravan park has caused residents to complain about excess noise.

According to the York Press, tenants at the Osbaldwick caravan park are unhappy with the electrical device, which was installed by the council.

The newspaper noted that residents have asked the local authority to upgrade the electrical supply, but claim it has refused to comply.

One caravanner explained: “The generator breaks down a lot, and we’ve had no hot water since Friday. It’s next to where my kids sleep and it’s quite loud, so when it works, it keeps them awake.”

Problems have reportedly been ongoing for months and include a black-out on Christmas Day last year.

City of York Council explained that it was trying to resolve the problems as quickly as it could and has applied for funding for an upgrade project.

In other news, travel agent Tourdust.com has noted how Scottish camping holidays are becoming more popular.

Family caravan holidays from £101

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by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts will be given the chance to enjoy a family holiday in the north-west of England next year from just £101.

South Lakeland Parks is offering customers the opportunity to stay at one of its nine sites in the Lake District, Ribble Valley and Morecambe Bay at a discounted rate if they book early.

Those who secure their holiday before January 2nd will be able to do so with a low deposit and will receive a further £10 discount if they book online.

Holidaymakers will also be able to choose their own pitch, meaning that those who book early will be able to stay wherever they wish.

Ideal for families and holidaymakers on a budget, the offer applies to both caravans and lodges, with bedding and fuel supplements included.

Visitors will be able to make use of the heated indoor pools, entertainment, children’s play areas, bars and restaurants during their stay.

Meanwhile, caravanners heading north of the border may be interested in Visit Scotland’s recently-published list of the country’s most haunted venues.

Police confirm caravan explosion victim was a woman

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by Gemma Roskell

It has been confirmed that a body found following an explosion at a caravan in Cornwall was that of a woman in her 60s.

According to the BBC, police have not yet formally identified the victim of the blaze, which began on the night of Tuesday December 28th.

Firefighters were called to the incident in Sancreed, west of Penzance, at around 22:25 GMT following reports of an explosion.

They discovered a body inside the motorhome once they managed to extinguish the flames.

It has now been confirmed that the remains were those of the caravan owner, who lived alone on the site.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and that an investigation is still underway into the cause of the fire.

It comes after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning to caravan owners about wood burning stoves, open fires and candles, all of which increase the risk of fire during the winter.

Fifth Wheel Company to expand UK operations

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by Holly Tribe

A specialist caravan manufacturer is set to invest £250,000 in a major expansion programme developing its design and manufacturing methods.

After two years of successive growth the Fifth Wheel Company has doubled its workforce and now has a turnover of £2 million. With an order book full until April 2011, the Welsh firm has quickly outstripped its initial design and manufacturing capabilities.

Using profits amassed over the last two years along with funding from a government-run scheme, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Coleg Menai, the firm will appoint a graduate KTP associate to re-evaluate the design-to-manufacture process.

Operations Manager Adrian Parry-Jones told Business Post: “As the company grows and we become a bigger operation, it’s essential that we constantly review our design-to-manufacture process and quality systems, in order to reduce any work duplication and wastage.”

Where it all began

The company began importing fifth wheel type tourers from the States in the late 1990’s converting them to comply with European safety standards for the UK market. Encouraged by an enthusiastic response from customers, the decision was made to design and build an in-house range of Fifth Wheelers which have been in production since 2002.

Mr Parry-Jones explained: “When someone asked why we didn’t start producing them, we couldn’t think of a good reason. Within six months we had developed our first prototype of a UK version, and now we design and manufacture them here.”

Fifth Wheelers explained

Originating in the US Fifth Wheelers are attached to the towing vehicle, not by the traditional tow bar as with other caravans, but via a connection plate similar to those found on articulated lorries. They are built to be towed by pick-up trucks and open backed vehicles like the Nissan Navara (pictured). The Fifth Wheel Company build models which are better suited to smaller UK roads and driving conditions.

National Forest caravanners set for Christmas treat

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by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts visiting the National Forest over the coming weeks will be able to give their kids a special treat.

The popular woodland area is set to play host to Conkers[‘] Winter Wonderland, which will feature a full grotto complete with a century-old log cabin.

Inside, Santa and his elves will be waiting to bestow early Christmas gifts on lucky children, who will also get to see St Nick’s famous reindeer at close quarters.

Those who are brave enough can even reach out and stroke Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen and all their friends.

Santa will be present on November 27th and 28th, as well as December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th and then every day between the 18th and 23rd, when he will set off to make the final preparations for Christmas Day.

The site will also feature the pantomime favourite Cinderella, which takes place on December 18th, while the Ibstock Bric-Brass Band will entertain guests with a candlelit carol service on December 23rd.

The National Forest is a UK project which aims to transform 200 square miles of land in the centre of England into woodland.

Five of the best 2011 caravans for winter caravanning

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by Holly Tribe

Winterability. It’s the word on every caravanners mind at this time of year. Packing up, servicing and storing a caravan over the winter months is an arduous process. But the onset of sub zero temperatures and long winter nights doesn’t necessarily mean you have to banish your caravan into storage until Spring.

Caravan manufacturers have been listening to customers who want to tour in all seasons of the year, and have made some significant design improvements to make caravanning through the winter a more pleasurable experience.

Keeping warm in winter

There’s been plenty of talk from the industry about Grade 3 thermal insulation in recent months. Big ticket manufacturers with new 2011 models have made much in the caravan press about achieving Grade III Thermal Insulation and Heating classification – but what does this mean?

In short it means each caravan to attain Grade III status has been cold chamber tested and can maintain an internal temperature of 20 degrees even when it reaches -15 degrees outside.

With the winter weather drawing in we take a look at some of the most thermally efficient caravans on the market to keep you caravanning throughout the winter months. All the following caravans have certified NCC EN1645-1 Thermal Insulation and Heating – Grade 3 classification.

We looked at all caravans on sale today in the UK and chose five models across all price brackets. Our list features popular tourers from Bailey Caravans, Buccaneer Caravans, Elddis Caravans and Swift Caravans, as well as an entry-level model which may surprise readers.

Click here to continue reading “Five of the best 2011 caravans for winter caravanning”

Bailey Caravans break sales records at Caravan and Motorhome Show 2010

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has continued to defy the economic downturn by securing retail orders to the value of £15 million at this year’s International Caravan and Motorhome Show. The result was 25% higher than the amount achieved at the same event last year.

Bailey revealed that the figures represent the best ever sales performance for the company at an exhibition in both the volume and value of orders received. And the firm believes it is simply the continuation of what has been a strong start to the new model year for Bailey.

Retailer sites have reported that sales have been above those for the equivalent period last year. As a consequence, forward orders are now a month in advance of this time last year, and extends well into 2011. Much of this can be attributed to the introduction this year of Bailey’s first ever luxury caravan model.

Unicorn: from myth to fact

Bailey has credited the huge increase in sales to the performance of the new Unicorn range, which accounted for three-quarters of the total business written at the NEC show. The firm has said it is “delighted that the caravan buying public has reacted so positively” to the new range. It believes “feedback from buyers suggests that it is not only appealing to existing customers, but also encouraging non-Bailey owners to consider the marque for the first time”.

Since its introduction in September the Bailey Unicorn has attracted in excess of £39 million worth of retail orders, making it the most successful single product launch in the company’s sixty-year history.

The future of Bailey Caravans

The Unicorn has also gathered its first accolades from the caravan world including the Caravan Industry Magazine Tourer of the Year title which was presented for the Unicorn Seville. And after the positive response to the newest Alu-Tech model, the company is said to be optimistic about the future and will “continue with its progressive product development programme”.

Initially this will mean the expansion of the Unicorn range as we reported in September with the introduction of new layouts the Madrid and the Almeria .

But most crucially for many will be the launch of a new light-weight caravan range featuring the Alu-Tech body shell. The entry-level model will allow a wider range of people to experience the technology, and Bailey’s success in 2011 will depend on the response to this crucial model.

Swift Caravans await site expansion verdict

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by Chris Malone

The UK’s largest touring caravan and motorhome manufacturer is expecting to get the green light for the first part of a major expansion plan this week.

Swift Holdings has teamed up with Redrow Homes in seeking permission to 108 homes on land to the west of Dunswell Road in Cottingham, the Yorkshire Post reports.

The company believes that the sale of the land – which has been used to store and build caravans – will generate about £6.65 million to allow it to develop other highways in the area.

Local residents have expressed their “serious concern” that the proposals would generate excessive traffic in the region, while other opponents are worried about floods from surface water running off the site.

Cottingham Parish Council has also claimed that the development is “out of character” with an area which has traditionally featured larger properties with gardens.

The plans will be considered by local councillors at County Hall on Thursday (November 4th).