Transporting a Christmas tree on your car could land you a FINE, here’s why
TRANSPORTING a Christmas tree in your car can land you a fine, here is why.
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With Christmas less than two weeks away many Brits will be getting into the festivities and buying a tree.
It is one of the most festive of seasonal tradition but bringing it home could land you a fine.
According to new research from car rental company Enterprise, only 7 per cent of British adults say they know the rules regarding transporting Christmas trees on the road.
While there is nothing specific in the Highway Code relating to transporting Christmas trees, there is a section about loading your car which is applicable.
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Rule 98 in the Highway Code states that “You MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer.
“You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
“You MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously.
“Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely.
“If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury.
Around 10 per cent of driver surveyed admitted that they may have previously transported a tree in a manner which “may have contravened the rules of the road."
Ensure you can safely transport a tree before you commit to the purchase
For example, letting it hang out of the boot, having ti tied loosely on to the top of the roof without a roof rack or obscuring the driver’s vision.
Over a quarter of those stopped admitted that the police has stopped them before.
Brendan Grieve, Enterprise Assistant Vice President of Rental, said: “The highway code does not specifically mention transporting Christmas trees, however, the rules are pretty clear when it comes to properly securing items being transported in a vehicle – and they all apply to Christmas trees.
“To avoid a fine, our advice would be to ensure you can safely transport a tree before you commit to the purchase.
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“If you’re unsure you can do so within the rules of the road, it may be worth considering having one delivered or hiring a van.
“Vans are easily available from our rental car branches and also at roadside locations in 14 towns and cities across the country.”
Under Road Traffic Act 1988 section 40A relating to using a vehicle in a dangerous condition is clause (d) which relates to “the weight, position or distribution of its load, or the manner in which it is secured.”
Fines for drivers who do not abide by this rule can be fined up to £100.
