The AA has issued a warning to drivers, saying that they could land a hefty £5,000 fine this Christmas if they make a common mistake that a lot of drivers make over the festive season
Drivers could face a £5000 fine if they don’t pay attention to one detail this Christmas that many might not realise could cost you.
Millions of Brits are set to hit the roads this festive season, whether it’s to visit loved ones or partake in Christmas festivities. However, a warning has been issued by the AA to all motorists that transporting their Christmas trees could result in hefty fines. Drivers could face a whopping £5,000 fine if they don’t properly secure their festive firs. This is due to Rule 98 of The Highway Code which states that drivers must ensure their load is secure and not protruding dangerously.
The guidance also advises drivers to ensure any loads are securely fastened and do not obstruct your view or vehicle lights.
Despite these warnings, many drivers continue to make expensive errors each December. These mistakes could turn your Christmas from merry to costly!
To help avoid this, the AA has shared their top tips for safely transporting your Christmas tree home without risking a fine.
AA Patrol of the Year, Shaun Jones, said: “Every year we see trees that are far too big for the car, tied on with bits of string or poking out of the boot. Not only can this damage your vehicle, but it also creates a genuine safety hazard if the tree blocks your view or falls off mid-journey.
“Even if you think it’s just a short trip home from the garden centre, an unsecured load could cost you thousands in fines or worse, cause a collision.”
How to secure a Christmas tree to a car
Shaun went on to explain that if your tree won’t fit comfortably inside, use roof bars and secure it with strong ratchet straps.
He added: “Always place the tree in netting with the trunk facing forward to reduce wind resistance and protect branches. Double-check that it’s not obstructing your mirrors, lights, or number plate before setting off.”
Then, taking to TikTok, experts from cars.com went on to share even more tips on how to best bring a Christmas tree home.
First off, they advised making sure to get your tree netted, as this will make it simpler to handle and carry. It should also stop any branches from dangling over your car’s windows. If you’re concerned about the tree scratching your motor, or that it might drip sap, consider wrapping it in a blanket.
Whilst it’s advisable to transport your tree inside the vehicle, this isn’t always feasible. If the tree is too large to fit in your car, the best choice is to fasten it on your car’s roof.
To do this, ensure the base of the tree faces forwards. You can then fasten it with robust ratchet straps.
The AA adds: “Always place the tree in netting with the trunk facing forward to reduce wind resistance and protect branches. Double-check that it’s not obstructing your mirrors, lights, or number plate before setting off.”
So there you have it, straightforward tips to transport your Christmas tree without ending up on Santa’s naughty list!
