Drivers warned over £200 fines for common festival mistake
With many motorists set to drive to festivals over the coming weeks, a driving expert has shared some common mistakes that could lead to dire consequences.
The local business directory service Yell has warned motorists not to fall for a common mistake when travelling to a festival that could put them at serious risk of accidents.
Over the summer months, many drivers plan on travelling across the UK to visit their favourite festival.
Whilst taking a car can be one of the most convenient ways to reach the event with all the items they have packed, Yell suggested that drivers should never overload their vehicle.
Alice Simpson, RAC breakdown spokesperson, warned that overloading a vehicle could have dire consequences if a driver needs to stop quickly.
She advised: "If you're driving to a festival this summer, make sure bags and camping equipment don't obscure your view out of the side and rear of your car, and that everything is safely stowed so items don't fly forward if you suddenly need to brake."
Whilst most festival visitors will need to pack some bulky items, such as a tent and folding chairs, Yell suggested that motorists should avoid exceeding the maximum payload of their vehicle.
The company highlighted that putting more than the recommended amount of luggage in their car can worsen performance, increasing braking distances and damage a variety of components.
As a result, drivers who break this rule will typically face a £100 fine if they have exceeded the payload by up to 10 percent, and a maximum of £200 if they have overloaded it by up to 15 percent.
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In addition, Yell suggested that festival-goers should also be considerate about their footwear when spending time behind the wheel.
Since many festivals are known for getting muddy, many attendees like to pack a pair of wellies. However, wearing them whilst driving may not give motorists enough grip on the pedals.
As a result, if they are involved in an accident, motorists could be charged with driving without due care and attention, which may result in a fine of up to £5,000 and nine points on their licence.
Finally, Alice recommended that drivers should perform routine maintenance checks, such as topping up the oil and coolant, before they set off to prevent breakdowns.
She 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’s important that drivers carry out proper checks before setting off to give themselves the best chance of a smooth journey.
"These include checking your oil and coolant are at the right levels and that your tyres are free of damage, have plenty of treads and are inflated to the right pressures."
