Drivers urged to take care when driving Christmas tree home or face £400 fines
The commercial vehicle conversion specialist Wessex Vans has warned drivers to make sure their Christmas tree is carried home correctly or face serious fines.
As Christmas approaches, many families are thinking about buying a real tree to put in their home. However, carrying it dangerously could land drivers a fine of up to £400.
Rob Prantl, owner of Wessex Vans, urged motorists not to let hefty fines add to the stress that preparing for Christmas can bring.
He said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be very expensive and stressful, and bringing the tree home can add to those worries if you are unaware or ignorant of the potential issues it can cause.
“Educating yourself on the problems transporting a sizeable tree can incite can help you avoid any unnecessary additional expenses and penalty points this Christmas.”
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According to a study published by Fiat Professional, a shocking 75 percent of UK motorists were unaware of the rules for carrying large loads in their car.
However, carrying bulky goods in a car without the right safety measures can make the vehicle more difficult to control and limit visibility.
Whilst most motorists driving an overloaded or badly loaded vehicle will face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence, they also risk being charged with ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’, which could lead to an unlimited fine and nine points.
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To prevent this, Wessex Vans advised drivers thinking of taking their Christmas tree home by car to start by wrapping it up.
This will not only help to protect the tree from damage and make sure it stays looking good until the new year, it will also prevent the driver from being distracted.
The company also noted that netting or wrapping the tree will also leave less mess in the car and make it easier to get out.
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Wessex Vans also noted that motorists should be cautious about leaving the boot open whilst travelling, stating that nothing should be sticking out more than six inches whilst on the move.
Larger trees can be carried on the roof of a suitable car but should be fastened securely with rope or bungee cords, using either a roof rack or directly to the roof whilst the doors are open.
Finally, the company urged drivers to be careful when behind the wheel of a vehicle carrying a large load, noting that the weight of the tree may shift if they brake harshly.
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