Drivers warned of Christmas tree mistake which could cost ?300 fine
An expert is warning drivers they face a fine of GBP300 for making a Christmas tree mistake. Rob Prantl, car expert and owner of Wessex Vans[1] says there are things you may do without thinking when you’re taking your Christmas tree home – but they could land you with a hefty fine, and a frown on your face. The last thing you want to happen is to be pulled over by the police and charged with ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’, or slapped with a CU50 offence – so how can you transport your tree with care this Christmas?
When transporting the tree back home, if you need to have your boot open, nothing should be “sticking out more than six inches to the side, or three feet beyond the car’s outline”, according to Rob. If it exceeds these limits, then unfortunately, it’ll be classed as an “abnormal load”, and it makes the method of transportation illegal. It’s also important, if your boot is open, to ensure that your lights and licence plate are “clearly visible.”
READ: 25 brilliant pictures from Winter Wonderland in Hanley[2] | Winter Wonderland will run until January 7 READ: Festive line-up announced for Newcastle’s big Christmas lights switch-on[3] | There’ll be live music, a laser show, a visit from Santa and even a giant illuminated snail The Christmas tree should also be secured appropriately, so it doesn’t move, to ensure the safety of yourself, and other road users, reports the Mirror.[4] Rob recommended: “From the lower branches to the tip, firmly fasten the tree to your roof rack using ropes or bungee cords.
If you don’t have a roof rack, strap the tree to the roof using your car doors open, then shut them to secure it.” Also, make the most of the service provided and ensure your tree is netted, to “shield the tree from harm and prevent straggling branches from distracting you while operating a vehicle, in addition to making the tree easier to move and making less mess.” Unless you get a very little tree, it’s doubtful that your Christmas tree will fit in your car.
Rob advised: “The tree should be positioned lengthwise on top of your automobile, with the stump facing the front of the vehicle.” Once everything is secured, make sure you “exercise caution” and “brake gently”, “taking turns slowly.” Always “respect the speed limit when taking your tree home”, Rob said. He warned: “If your vehicle is overweight, you can be fined up to GBP300, although a 5% leeway will be applied unless the relevant weight has been exceeded by 1 tonne or more.
But it’s not just police fines and punishment you need to worry about when transporting heavy loads as excess weight can also cause long-term damage to the brakes, suspension, and drivetrain of your vehicle. The weight limit of your vehicle should be listed in the driver’s manual.”
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References
- ^ Wessex Vans (www.wessexvans.co.uk)
- ^ 25 brilliant pictures from Winter Wonderland in Hanley (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Festive line-up announced for Newcastle’s big Christmas lights switch-on (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Mirror. (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)