Breakaway Cable Attachment in Holland

I don't know why...but it appears the various Vehicle Inspection agencies throughout Europe have a delight in pulling me over to inspect my outfit. I mean its not as if we have old vehicles, or exceed the speed limits of the country. The tow car is 1yr old and the caravan is just 6 mnths old.

The latest such inspection was on Saturday around 3-0pm on the A15 just 5 miles short of the Rotterdam Europort ferry terminal (We were scheduled on the overnight ferry to Hull)...when out of nowhere appeared a police motorcycle, waived and pointed to his 'Follow Me' sign...which i duly did following him off the next junction, around a couple of roundabouts to a vehicle inspection station...full of Caravans and Motorhomes. 

First up was the request for driving licence, V5 for both car and caravan. No problem, even accepting the electronic version on the OH iPhone. (although one Police Officer wasn't convinced but let it pass) Note to self, take copies of V5's...Next was to move onto weighing pads, both car and caravan, checked against plates...No problem, Phew !!!...then asked to pull into next bay where the car and caravan where given a roadworthy test, you name it they looked at it. No problem , passed with flying colours..as being new vehicles, should have.

But then wait...hold the phone, one of the inspectors pointed to the breakaway cable....At this point I will refer you to my previous post and encounter with the UK equivalent inspectors when i was issued a prohibition notice for incorrect attachment..later squashed when the the club intervened...It was at that point that I also changed to the direct attachment ALKO specific cable. This is what I had in place when inspected..a direct attachment to a designated fixing point. 

Not good said the inspector....must be looped trough a karabiner...which he produced, fitted and charged me 4€...followed by a police officer issuing me with a ticket (to be sent) for incorrect attachment of breakaway cable...Some one on the ferry said the fine could be 130€.  The ticket has yet to arrive so I cannot post a photo but I attach a photo of the karabiner the inspector fitted....

Happy caravanning ...