Drivers and motorists have been warned they will be hit with £200 fines for a common festival mistake when returning home and leaving. A driving expert has shared some common mistakes that could have dire consequences during the summer holidays.
RAC breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: “If you’re driving to a festival this summer, make sure bags and camping equipment don’t block your view to the side and rear of your car, and that everything is stowed safely so items don’t go flying if you need to brake suddenly.”
He added: “The summer festival season is one of the most exciting times of the year and one of the busiest on the roads. While no one likes to think about their vehicle breaking down, especially on the way to an event, it is important that drivers carry out the appropriate checks before setting off to give themselves the best chance of a trouble-free journey.
READ MORE Police break silence on £12,000 Rolex theft after Jay Slater’s body is found
“These include checking that oil and coolant levels are adequate and that tyres are undamaged, have sufficient tread and are inflated to the correct pressure.” Divers who fail to comply with this rule will typically face a £100 fine if they have exceeded the payload by up to 10 per cent.
In addition, drivers face a maximum fine of £200 if they have overloaded the vehicle by up to 15 per cent. Additionally, drivers could be charged with driving without due care and attention, if they are involved in a crash or accident, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and nine points on their licence.
Alice advised drivers to perform routine maintenance checks, such as topping up oil and coolant, before setting out to avoid breakdowns. In response to the warning, one driver said: “I guess common sense doesn’t exist anymore.”
