NCC's response to EC MOT proposals

NCC responds to EC proposal for periodic testing of all trailers

The NCC (National Caravan Council) has submitted a response to the roadworthiness package of 13 July 2012 in which the European Commission put forward a proposal for the periodic testing of all trailers with MTPLMs up to 3,500kg - i.e. introducing MOTs.

The NCC's response concluded:

• There is no evidence that technical defects are a significant factor in accidents involving touring caravans
• The MOT testing of tourers would be a massive undertaking with huge practical difficulties
• The cost of setting up testing stations (whether at existing MOT stations or Approved Workshop Scheme members) would be immense
• Existing legislation and practice is already sufficient to ensure that the majority of trailers meet relevant safety standards
• Consumer education is likely to be more cost effective, as excessive speeds and overloading are more common causes of accidents than technical defects.