Roadside Horse Trailer Checks Are On The Up

The government has announced it will be carrying out more roadside inspections of trailers over the next year

- Becky Murray

MORE roadside checks on horse trailers aim to improve safety and provide data for future policies.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced it will carry out the safety checks on trailers. The move follows publication of a trailer safety report by the Department for Transport which concluded “lack of clear data” is a limiting factor to understanding the safety risks of light trailers. The checks will include specific components such as tyres and brakes to ensure vehicles are safe.

A DVSA spokesman told H&H the checks will be aimed at trailers of all types from 750kg to 3,500kg over a 12-month period.

DVSA head of enforcement delivery Laura Great-Rex added: “It is vital trailers are safe and roadworthy. Anybody towing one should be qualified to do so, and carry out safety checks before setting off.”