Police Remind Caravan Owners of Speed Limits and Safety Checks

As spring begins to arrive, many people start looking forward to warmer weather and the first signs of summer. For some it might be the return of swallows, butterflies appearing in the garden, or even the start of hay fever.

For the Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team, however, the first sign of summer is often something quite different. Officers say it is frequently the first overturned caravan blocking the A30 and causing miles of tailbacks.

With more visitors expected to travel to the South West in the coming months, police are reminding drivers towing caravans to carry out essential safety checks before setting off.

Safety checks before travelling

The Road Safety Team is encouraging anyone planning to tow a caravan this spring or summer to make sure their vehicle and caravan are properly prepared for the journey.

Drivers are advised to check their towbar for tightness, cracks or serious rusting. If the towbar is detachable, it should be checked to ensure it is properly and securely connected to its housing.

Tyres should also be inspected carefully, particularly if the caravan has been stationary on a driveway for several months. Wheel nuts should be tight and tyres should have adequate tread depth with no cords or ply showing, and no bulges, rips or tears.

Electrical connections should also be tested. Police suggest asking someone to check that brake lights, position lights and indicators on the caravan are working correctly.

Drivers whose caravans are wider than their towing vehicle, which police say most are, should fit suitable towing mirrors on both sides and adjust them properly before setting off.

Loading the caravan correctly is another key step. Heavier items should be placed as close to the axle as possible and drivers should not exceed the recommended maximum payload. A public weighbridge can be used to check this. The noseweight must also stay within both the towball and caravan hitch limits.

Police also remind drivers to ensure the breakaway cable is fitted correctly.

Further information about towing safety can be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website through this link.

Speed limits when towing

Drivers towing caravans must follow lower speed limits than standard vehicles. The permitted speed is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways, unless a lower limit is in place.

According to the Road Safety Team, excessive speed while towing is a common cause of instability. This can cause a caravan to snake across the road and may lead to a collision if the situation is not quickly controlled.

Police highlighted one recent case where a driver towing a caravan was travelling at 69 mph on the A30 when their speed was checked by a speed detection team.

Extra caution on downhill stretches

Officers say downhill sections of road can present particular risks when towing. In these conditions the caravan can effectively push the towing vehicle downhill, increasing the risk of snaking.

A competent towing driver should slow down before descending a hill and select a lower gear. This allows engine braking to help control the vehicle and reduces reliance on the brakes, which can overheat if used excessively.

Devon & Cornwall Police say taking these precautions can help prevent accidents and avoid disruption on busy roads as holiday traffic increases.

They are also reminding visitors travelling to the region this year that they look forward to welcoming people to the Westcountry this summer.

And as the message from the Road Safety Team concludes, remember one local tradition when you arrive. Jam first.