Why wider caravans in the UK should not have a broad appeal: The NCC’s response to the Government’s consultation on trailer widths

Monday, 22 March 2010 10:31

The NCC (National Caravan Council) has responded in strong terms to the Government’s proposals to amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. This proposed amendment would allow the width of touring caravans – and other trailers – to increase from 2.3 metres to 2.55m. Implementation is threatened for spring 2010.

The NCC believes that the short timescale for implementing this amendment will compromise the UK caravan manufacturing industry and that, at the very least, implementation should be delayed until 2011. Director General of the NCC John Lally says: “The UK manufacturing base is not in a position to respond immediately and develop products to the new width of up to 2.55m until next year. This would leave them suddenly commercially disadvantaged, as many European caravan manufacturers already have 2.5m wide caravans within their portfolio.”

However, the unease is not just over competition. Other concerns that the NCC has raised in their consultation response include:

· Access to rural touring parks, which is often via narrow country/residential roads

· Usually, wider = heavier, resulting in an increase in unsuitable towing combinations/overloading

· Problems for workshops, recovery vehicles, storage units and suppliers

· Driving dangers related to the visibility around a wider trailer.

“Whilst we acknowledge that the UK is currently operating contrary to European law in this area, the very short timescale for implementation won’t allow matters to be properly thought through,” Lally upholds. “For example, The Road Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations permit external mirrors to protrude by up to 250mm wider than the trailer on either side. This may not afford the required level of visibility around a 2.55m wide caravan. Couple the distortion of competition in the UK market with these numerous other difficulties and we find the UK caravan industry significantly compromised.”