Motorhome dealer campaigns for tighter safety regulations

2013 marks thirty years since fitted and approved seatbelts became compulsory in cars, however regulations surrounding vehicles converted into campervans are not as stringent. One motorhome and campervan dealer is fighting to change these regulations and make travelling safer for drivers and passengers of converted campervans.

Salop Leisure is the driving force behind an awareness campaign highlighting current campervan conversion regulations. At present, there is not a mandatory check on a safety belt fitted in a campervan – this could mean that they are not correctly installed and will not protect the campervan occupants in the event of an accident.

Just as concerning is the fact that there is no inspection required on the seat beds, which could tear free from their fixings at speeds as low as 30mph in the event of an accident.

Salop Leisure is calling for closer regulations surrounding safety standards and a voluntary inspection code for conversions. Their campaign has already gained the support of transport minister Stephen Hammond who introduced some regulations in 2012, however these safety checks do not apply to campervan conversions that have already been registered.

“Around 100 vehicles per week get converted in the UK and I estimate that only about five per cent comply with the new standards that were introduced on April 1^st 2012,” Darren Bebb, Managing Director of Salop Leisure’s sister company Bebb ltd, commented to Caravan Times.  “If our campaign manages to save just one life, then it will have been worthwhile.”

Salop Leisure isn’t the only major firm campaigning for tighter safety laws, as Elddis recently renewed its commitment to its ‘Belts=Berths campaign’ to make sure there is a correctly installed seatbelt for each berth in every motorhome.

Coast provides quality motorhome insurance and campervan insurance at a competitive rate. For a no obligation quotation call Freephone 0800 614 849.