Be Prepared as Essex Police stop Caravans on A12

ALMOST 40 drivers have been stopped during a roads policing operation in Chelmsford targeting vehicles towing caravans and trailers.

Officers were stopping vehicles at the Boreham Interchange at Junction 19 on the A12.

In total 39 vehicles were stopped during the operation including 13 towing trailers, 19 towing caravans, two vans and three cars.

Of the vehicles towing caravans or trailers, 12 were found to have faults.

Four of those had either incorrectly fitted or no breakaway cables fitted at all. £50 fines were given and immediate prohibitions put in place on the trailers until a cable was fitted.

Some of the tyres fitted were over the recommended five years and leaflets and advice were given about changing these as soon as possible.

Five vehicles towing caravans or trailers were found to have no extendable mirrors fitted and were fine £50.

The drivers were found to be driving otherwise in accordance with their licence, fined £100 and given three points on their licence.

 
Four drivers were dealt with for using mobile phone behind the wheel.

Three fines of £100 were given out to drivers for index plate offences on trailers.

One van was also found to be over its allowed 3.5 tonne weight limit and the driver was fined a total of £300.

Pc Gary Winfield, of Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction Unit, said: “This was a successful operation, helping to keep Essex’s roads safe.

“Whilst these appear relatively small issues they still pose a risk.

“Any defect of a car, any caravan or trailer not attached properly, or any vehicle overweight could potentially pose a danger other road users.

“This operation highlights that Essex Police is determined to tackle these issues and anyone flouting the law will be dealt with.

“Road traffic collisions can have a devastating impact on those affected and we all have a responsibility to keep the county’s roads safe.”