Tips and Advice

The Towing Code

Resale Price for Electricity and Gas Users on Caravan Parks

The energy regulator, Ofgem, issued a Direction under the Utilities Act 2000 to ensure that:
the maximum price at which mains gas or electricity can be resold is the same price as that paid for it by the person who is reselling it.

This effectively means caravan sites in the UK can no longer charge a separate hook-up fee for pitches. Instead site fees will have to include electricity. Some sites have changed the structure of their fees by levelling out pricing across all pitches

This could be used as an excuse to raise prices unnecessarily. The Caravan Club has already adjusted its rates to accommodate the ruling by increasing  prices to the all-inclusive fees at most of its sites.

Changes to the Maximum Resale Price for gas and electricity take effect from 1 January 2003.

Number plates

Stick on number plates can no longer be used on your caravan or trailer. From 1st September 2001 they became illegal, but don't panic the law is not retrospective so existing number plates are okay.

From June 2002 all suppliers of number plates must be licensed and keep records of who they supply them to. 

From 1st Jan 2003 You will need to produce your vehicles registration document (V5/log book) when ordering new plates, so if you are buying a new car don't forget to ask for a spare number plate or two.

Breakaway cables

From July 2001 the breakaway cable for your caravan or trailer must not be looped over the towcars towball but must be connected to a 'pig tail' or other permanent fixture on the car. Pig tails can be purchased from your local caravan dealer or accessory shop. The police are enforcing this new law at roadside checks.

UPDATE

It is not illegal to wrap the breakaway cable around the towball provided there is no designated attachment point. Unfortunately, a number of police authorities have placed their own interpretation on the law and have tried to enforce this.

See Correct attachment of breakaway cables on TheCaravan.net website.

Caravanning In Europe

There are various scams criminals and thieves have developed to target unsuspecting tourists. Many people have been caught out by road-side robbery. Typically the criminal pretends to have broken down, while he distracts you an accomplice breaks into your caravan and takes any items of value. You are unaware of any crime until you reach your destination.

Another growing crime involves thieves targeting service stations and looking for unattended caravans. Any caravan left unattended is at risk of being broken into and in the worst scenario unhitched and stolen. It is a good idea to leave someone with the caravan at all times. If you are making an extended stop for food & drinks etc. it may be wise to fit your wheel clamp. 

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