Currently, caravans do not have to endure MOT tests. A recent announcement by the government suggests that many caravan enthusiasts will be facing large bills. The new legislation will require all caravans weighing over 750kg to undergo tests. These regulations are to enhance UK road safety. The Caravan Club actively supports road safety, but its members do not believe that MOT testing on caravans is the answer.
Governments plans for caravans
Once these regulations are set in place, caravan lovers will face MOT-like testing every two years. Brand-new caravans will not have an MOT inspection until the vehicle is four years old.
Naturally, motorists are in disagreement towards this modern legislation being imposed. Is this recent law another money-making scheme or is it a genuine concern for tighter road safety? Some questions why caravans are singled out from other light trailers?
The latest system will cost approximately £240 million. Even though it is going to cost a lot, caravans rarely pose a threat to our UK roads. The only difficulty with a caravan is having to be behind one, since they are bound by tough speed limits. Statistics conclude that caravans have low accident ratings. Therefore, it is believed that the parliament's concerns are disproportionate and based on misguided statistics.
The new legislation for caravans to be MOT tested does not come directly from the UK government, but from the EU parliament in Brussels. Although there are some government members supporting the new testing, there are many who resist it. Officials opposing this legislation believe it is meaningless and agree it will do nothing to boost UK road safety. Brussels appears to be constantly trying to impose additional road regulations. Introducing MOT testing to caravans will simply threaten our UK economy.
Caravan enthusiasts generally love, care and maintain their mobile holiday homes very well. Caravans are rarely used more than twice per annum in the UK and, when not used, caravanners usually keep their caravan covered up or stored in a garage. Caravans are mostly low mileage, well looked after and already tested. No one who can afford a caravan will subject themselves or their children to danger. But, Werner Kuhn, a member of transport committee argued that the test is necessary because they can be left unused for a while in the barn.
