Posted on 12/07/2016 21:32
this is our second season to caravaning and are looking forward to our longest travel to cornwall for 2 weeks in 6 weeks, the thing that bothers use is if we get pulled over by the police, what do thay want or need, were are the most common areas to get stopped, we got the correct driving licence and isurance, and crisis reg, just worried we wont have what they want Thanyou in advance
Posted on 12/07/2016 21:50
The CRIS document isn't a legal requirement - it's not like a DVLA document - and some would say it's not wise to carry it with you in case of theft. In terms of documents you only need your licence, insurance and MOT although all of them are checked online for validity anyway.
Otherwise, simply obey all the laws, rules and regulations.
Posted on 12/07/2016 23:51
The police are only likely to stop you as an individual outfit (as opposed to general roadside checks which are very rare) if they sense there is something wrong with your outfit like lights not working, you are speeding, the outfit looks unstable or overloaded. They have so much online information now they probably know more about you than you do!!! If you are conscientious about your safety checks before departure then I doubt you have anything to worry about.
David
Posted on 13/07/2016 07:33
You should also really carry your car V5 and details of your insurance. French vehicles display a 'sticker' in the windscreen which tells the police they are insured, and it's likely to be the one thing you forget.
However, in thirty-five years of touring in France, with and without a caravan, we have never once been stopped and asked for our documents.
We were stopped in Italy and they wanted to see absolutely everything 'official' and still weren't satisfied, so we incurred a huge fine for various 'infringements' which had to be paid in cash and for which no receipt was issued. However, it's not easy to argue the toss with two gun carrying Italian policemen. We haven't been back to Italy since!
Posted on 13/07/2016 07:40
At the West Central Q&A, the copper present said the Police/DVSA will either pull your over because of some visible defect with the van [eg lights, looking overweight], your driving behaviour, or because they are doing a spot check on all caravans. The latter happens on the A55 entering Wales and from what I hear and see, find the occasional caravan unfit for the road. Mersey Tunnel Police occasionally do spot check to ensure you have switched off the gas before you enter the tunnel. I know spot checks occur on the M6 near Preston and on the M62 before you climb out of Manchester. Spot checks are usually during peak holiday periods. Don't worry. It's quite reassuring to get the thumbs up when you've been checked out.
Posted on 13/07/2016 07:50
At the West Central Q&A, the copper present said the Police/DVSA will either pull your over because of some visible defect with the van [eg lights, looking overweight], your driving behaviour, or because they are doing a spot check on all caravans. The latter happens on the A55 entering Wales and from what I hear and see, find the occasional caravan unfit for the road. Mersey Tunnel Police occasionally do spot check to ensure you have switched off the gas before you enter the tunnel. I know spot checks occur on the M6 near Preston and on the M62 before you climb out of Manchester. Spot checks are usually during peak holiday periods. Don't worry. It's quite reassuring to get the thumbs up when you've been checked out.
....hence my comments in another thread concerning weight...
a nice weigbridge slip goes down well, as it suggests youve at least bothered to check that all is legal with a caravan or MH.
OK, it wont necessarily be accurate on the day, but it shows good dilligence...
vans can be weighed easily at the roadside with small pads that go under each wheel.....no need, these days, to be 'marched' to a weighbridge...
tracyp
Caravanner