Police stop caravans and motorhomes in Cornwall and Devon as bank holiday starts
Officers are carrying out checks to avoid long delays due to breakdowns as holidaymakers head to the region for staycations
Last updated 28th May 2021
Along the A30 in Cornwall and the M5 in Devon police are carrying out checks on caravans, trailers and large motorhomes - to avoid long delays due to breakdowns as holidaymakers head to the region for staycations.
Stops have been taking place near Tiverton and Redruth, with education events being held at Exeter Services and Wellington Services.
"Due to the current uncertainty surrounding international travel, more people than ever before will opt for a ‘Staycation’; this has seen a rise in second-hand caravan sales and road users deciding to purchase a caravan for the first time.
"Naturally this will lead to a large number of caravan users visiting Devon and Cornwall for a break, but before you decide to travel you must make sure that you have undertaken all necessary safety checks before you hit the road."
Phil Saundercock, Devon & Cornwall Police
Highways England, The DVSA and Officers from the Alliance Roads Policing Team are carrying out patrols and proactively targeting those who tow caravans, trailers, and overweight campervans.
MPC Saundercock added: “Officers will be on the road, in both marked and unmarked cars to spot any issues and to educate those pulling caravans and trailers. It is vital for all road users that what you are pulling is roadworthy, secure, weighted correctly.
“Drivers need to check their trailers and caravans thoroughly before they hit the road, especially if they have not been used for some time, even perhaps laid up since summer 2019.”
The Vision Zero South West road safety partnership is committed to reducing fatal and serious collisions to zero on Devon and Cornwall’s roads by 2040.
The partnership consists of all the local bodies concerned with improving road safety, including the police, ambulance service, fire and rescue service, Highways England, councils and NHS Trusts.
It is chaired by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who is also the APCC national lead for road safety.
“Eradicating all serious collisions in Devon and Cornwall by 2030 may seem like a hugely ambitious target, but we are committed to making this happen.
“Vision Zero believes that any fatality or serious injury caused by a road collision is avoidable. By targeting vulnerable road users and making sure we have the very best route-based interventions and post-crash care available, we want to make this collective vision a reality.
“Ensuring the roadworthiness of your vehicle is vital in giving you the safest experience when it comes to travel, as well as those around you. This operation shows our dedication to enforcing the rules of the road to protect all motorists in Devon and Cornwall, both locals and visitors alike.”
Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall