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Caravans

Volume 934: debated on Wednesday 29 June 1977

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asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to institute a special licence and driving test for motorists towing caravans.

I am not convinced that such a scheme would bring sufficient benefit to road safety to justify its imposition on caravan owners and hirers or outweigh the cost of its administration.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce a three-year roadworthiness MOT test for caravans towed on the public highway.

Caravans are subject to the construction and use regulations, and the speed limits which apply to them are designed to ensure their stability. They are involved in less than one-eighth of 1 per cent. of road accidents. I have no evidence to suggest that they should be made subject to special roadworthiness testing.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what study he has made of the arrangements for taxation of caravans in Australia and Canada; how the schemes are administered in each country; and what is the level of tax or licence fee.