Police operation to make caravanning safer (From Evesham Journal)

Police operation to make caravanning safer

11:43am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

A NEW operation aimed at reducing the number of caravan related incidents on the motorway will be introduced by police across the Midlands this Friday (25).

Operation Velopy is being run by the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) and the Highways Agency, with help from the Caravan Club and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VSOA), and is aimed at educating drivers about safely towing caravans.

A team of officers from all agencies will be at the southbound Strensham Services area on the M5 from this Friday, between 9am and 5.30pm, to offer help and advice to caravan owners.

Sergeant Dean Caswell said: "The advice will be given to drivers on a voluntary basis, but I would urge anybody in the area to take advantage of this initiative.

"Often drivers set up the towing outfit incorrectly, which makes the caravan unstable and increases the likelihood of a collision.

"The advice we are giving out will help to eliminate these problems and have a positive impact on reducing the number of collisions involving caravans."

The CMPG has revealed there were over 1,000 towing-related incidents on West Midlands motorways in the last year alone, and the large matrix messaging boards along the motorways will also be reminding drivers to take extra care.

• Print
• Email
• Share