Elddis unveil new caravans for 2017

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by Joe Jeffrey

New models including the introduction of more 8ft-wide models announced by Elddis for 2017

Elddis have announced new models within its stellar line up of ranges for 2017, and we’ve got all the details right here.

Xplore

First up, the award-winning Xplore range welcomes model 554 into the fold for the new season. The four berth 554 features a retractable transverse fixed island bed and rear bathroom, as well as a spacious end-bathroom/dressing area, and bright, airy lounge – offering a lightweight solution for all your caravanning needs at a max MTPLM of 1350kgs.

The Xplore 554 will feature alongside additional models including the 304, 526, 574 and 586. Two models, namely the 402 and 235, have been dropped for 2017.

As with previous models, all Xplores announced for the new season will be built on a AL-KO chassis and come with Whale eight-litre on-board rapid-heat water heater. However, that’s where the similarities for 2017 stop and a host of new features await, including Wale 4kW underfloor space heater (2kW on the 304); kitchen splashback; locker door gasket; soft-close wardrobe hinges; ’boutique’ bathroom vanity unit; worktop and vanity counter top and new shower accessories. Furthermore, a new ‘Byblos’ upholstery awaits along with fresh new exterior graphics and ‘Nagoya’ wallboard.

Prices for the 2017 Xplore range start at £13,344 On the Road. For more information about the Xplore range, click here.

Avante

For 2017, Elddis have kept all but the 566 and 576 Avante offerings, while introducing three new models to the mix. The first of the new models, the Avante 554, is a single-axle layout featuring a retractable transverse bed and rear bathroom/dressing area.

Perhaps more excitingly, Elddis have also introduced two additional new models for the ’17 season, namely the Avante 840 and the Avante 866 – both of which are 8ft wide. The Avante 840 has certainly been designed with families in mind, or simply couples who are looking for a caravan with a host of options as far as layout is concerned, including a new fixed bed, super-size lounge – ideal for entertaining and becoming a large double bed at night. Furthermore, a large horseshoe-shaped diner, ideal for eating of simply relaxing, can be converted into a near-side French bed opposite the bathroom which comes fully equipped.

The other 8ft offering within the Avante range, the 866, also provides for an abundance of extra space, creating an unprecedented family layout. Again, with a huge lounge, a horseshoe diner complements large pod-style bunkbeds at the rear alongside a separate lounge area where the kids can chill out and crash. Both the Avante 840 and Avante 866 come complete with new front panels and gas locker doors.

Built on an AL-KO chassis with AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC, the Avante range also comes with a Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater; Whales 4.3kW underfloor space heater; new locker door ‘quite close’ gasket; revised kitchen splashback, ’boutique’ bathroom sink; new worktop and vanity counter top; ‘Linden’ Aquaclean upholstery, and new exterior graphics plus more.

Prices start at £17,244 On the Road. For more information about the Avante range, click here.

Affinity

Although there are no new models for the new season as far as the Affinity range is concerned, it doesn’t necessarily mean not to expect something new, as the introduction of a number of modification across the board can attest. The five-model line-up sees the Affinity 540 dropped for 2017 with, what seems, more focus on updating the look and feel to the range as a whole.

Again, built on an AL-KO chassis with AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC and featuring the popular Alde 3020 compact boiler, updates to the Affinity range include new kitchen splashback; new locker door gasket; new kitchen cupboard styles; a new ‘Nagoya’ wallboard; refreshing ‘Lavinia’ furniture colour scheme; ’boutique’ bathroom sink; new ‘Constellation’ Aquaclean upholstery; revised external graphics; backlit bathroom mirror, and more.

Weights start at 1298kgs MTPLM across the Affinity range with prices starting from £19,894 On the Road.

For more information about the Avante range, click here.

Crusader

2017 sees the Crusader Supersirocco bow out as four models remain, namely the Mistral, Aurora, Storm, Tempest and Supercyclone. A total of five models have been made available, however, thanks to the introduction of the all new six-berth Zephyr.

The Zephyr, a twin-Axle offering oozing five-star luxury, comes complete with a retractable transverse fixed bed at the rear and spacious lounge at the front, separated by a luxurious washroom and shower room. It is possible to section off the rear bedroom, a well as the living area up front, to provide for more privacy too.

The front panel on all Crusaders within the range has even updated for 2017, including new ABS, new front windows, new gas locker door, and new front grab handles. Meanwhile, a new ‘Stargazer’ rooflight comes as standard across all models to allow for an abundance of light to enter the caravan during the day.

Additional highlights include: ‘Nagoya’ wallboard; contrast kitchen units; kitchen drawer handles with positive locking; quiet-close locker hinges; soft close wardrobe hinges; ’boutique’ bathroom sink; ‘Sahara’ Aquaclean upholstery; additional USB point; back lit bathroom mirror and new, updated exterior graphics.

Weights start at 1526kgs MTPLM, with prices starting at £23,894 On the Road. For more information, click here.

Compass Casita

The Compass returns in force for 2017, featuring a total of six caravans within the Casita range. The range’s first four offerings – 550, 554, 574 and 586 – will come with various special touches for the new season, and the final two – the Casita 840 and Casita 866 – will both measure in at 8ft wide.

Spec on the 840 and 866 include new front panels and gas locker doors, while the range as a whole will benefit from: Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater; Whale 4.3kW underfloor space heater; locker doors with ‘quiet close’ gaskets; ’boutique bathroom sink; kitchen splashback; ‘Sakura’ Aquaclean upholstery; ‘Salinas Ash’ furniture; ‘Nagoya’ wallboard and new external graphics.

Weighing in from 1526kgs MTPLM, prices for the Compass Casita start at £23,894 On the Road. For more information, click here.

Compass Camino

Joining the Casita in the Compass range for 2017, will be four Camino models – the Camino 550, 554, 644, and 660. 2017 sees a newly revised front panel, windows and has locker door, while a ‘Stargazer’ rooflight should allow for an abundance of light during the day and a feeling of being at one with the great outdoors when it’s time to call it a night.

Elsewhere across the Camino range, Azure Blue aluminium sides comes as standard, as does kitchen splashback; additional USB port; locker doors featuring ‘quiet close’ gaskets; ‘Nagoya’ wallboards; ‘Salinas Ash’ furniture; ’boutique’ bathroom sink; soft-close wardrobe hinges; ‘Anastasia’ Aquaclean upholstery; new exterior graphics and more.

Weights on the Camino start at 1550kgs MTPLM, with prices beginning at £23,894 On the Road. For more information about the Camino, click here.

Buccaneer

Elddis’ original 8ft wide mainstay range, Buccaneer, returns for 2017. Gone is the Cutter model, which sees itself replaced with two new offerings for the new season to join the Clipper, Schooner, and Cruiser, namely the Commodore and Galera.

While maintaining its redeeming size across the range, the Buccaneer will see changes made the the front by way of a new front panel, new windows and new gas locker door. Meanwhile, a new wraparound lounge design comes as standard, as does Elddis’ new ‘Stargazer’ rooflight and Diamond Silver aluminium sides. Other new features include a sparkle-effect illuminated acrylic kitchen splashback, additional USB point, quiet close hinges and much, much more. ‘Amaya’ Aquaclean upholstery is introduced for the new season, alongside a new fresh ‘Lavinia’ furniture colour.

To find out more about the buccaneer range, with weights starting 1943kgs MTPLM, prices for the Compass Casita start at £23,894 On the Road. For more information, click here.

Stay tuned tomorrow to take a look at Elddis’ new motorhome range for 2017. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new caravans unveiled today in the comments below.

CaravanTimes is recruiting for new staff writers and content creators!

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by Joe Jeffrey

Want to write for CaravanTimes? Read on to find out how!

Are you a caravan or motorhome enthusiast? Do you revel in hitting the road to check out the latest leisure vehicles and explore caravan parks across the UK? Well read on, because CaravanTimes is recruiting staff writers and content creators.

If you love the leisure industry, have experience creating and producing content and are looking for a full time position in London for the fastest growing caravan and motorhome online magazine then get in touch.

The successful candidates will be either fully-fledged journalists able to deliver informed and entertaining content, or those looking for their first big break within the journalism industry having studied a journalism-related degree. We are looking for people brimming with ideas, who are knowledgeable and passionate about the topics we cover, with a proven track record or ability to deliver brilliant editorial, from news articles to interviews and features. You must have good knowledge of new media as well as content delivery platforms and environments.

Possessing a good knowledge of new media, as well as content delivery platforms and environments, you will be full of ambition and ideas which will push CaravanTimes‘ content to the next level. You will work with the CaravanTimes team to continue to create and evolve the high quality output that our readers thrive on, while having a vested interest in topics covered across our site.

The ideal candidate will also have: demonstrable experience or a passion to break into online writing; strong communication skills; first-rate knowledge of and an insatiable passion for all things caravans, motorhomes and everything else in-between; a good understanding of digital publishing (including knowledge of content management systems, social media, SEO and analytics); some understanding of video production would be an advantage.

To apply, please email editor@caravantimes.co.uk with the subject line ‘CaravanTimes Content Writer’. Please provide a covering letter stating any relevant previous experience along with an up-to-date CV and the reasons why you have the knowledge, passion and expertise to join us. Please also submit two news articles of 150 words per story that you have written, following the ‘<' . strtolower('Array')>CaravanTimes house style for your submissions, as well as a link to any recently published work you may have.

Please note those successfully chosen will be required to attend an interview in London during the week commencing 22 August. The deadline for submissions is midnight on 17 August. Good luck!

COMPETITION: Win tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Read on to find out how you can win a pair of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016

If you love the great outdoors the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016 offers all the inspiration you need for your next holiday. Whatever you love about open-air adventures – caravans or motorhomes – the show is simply a must.

Browse over 400 exhibitor stands at the Birmingham NEC from 11 to 16 October and explore the great outdoors indoors. Enjoy talks from popular celebrities including Bradley Wiggins, Matt Allwright and George Clarke and learn about their passion for being out and about in nature. Sample culinary delights at the show and be wowed by the augmented reality zip-wire on display by Visit Wales. The Guinness World Record life-sized LEGO brick caravan is also a spectacle not to be missed, built with just over a whopping 215,000 bricks.

That’s not all though, and there’ll certainly be something for everyone, kids and adults alike and, now, CaravanTimes is offering our readers the chance to win 15 pairs of tickets to the show. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question.

Q: How many bricks were used to create the LEGO brick caravan?

A: 100,458
B: 215,150
C: 736,400

Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 2 September 2016 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form
Only one entry per person
No purchase necessary
No cash or alternative will be offered
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members only
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

Camping and Caravanning Club’s director general to embark on Four Peaks Challenge

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by Joe Jeffrey

Robert Louden MBE to raise money for Duke of Edinburgh Awards

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s director general, Robert Louden MBE, is set to embark upon the demanding Four Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s diamond anniversary while promoting the joys of getting active in the great outdoors.

With a small team from Club, Robert, 63, will traverse to the summit of each of the highest peaks in the UK’s four countries between 13 and 20 August. The team will begin by climbing Snowdon in Wales, before crossing the Irish Sea to walk Slieve Donard in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Next Louden and company will climb Ben Nevis in Scotland’s Grampian Mountains, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,346 metres, before finally heading south to finish the challenge at Scafell Pike in the Lake District, England’s highest mountain.

In total, the team will ascend more than 4,000m, or nearly 14,000ft, walk more than 30 miles, and cover nearly 1,200 miles driving and sea crossing, pitching up at six Camping and Caravanning Club Sites in tents and motorhomes along the route.]

At the summit of each mountain, a tent will be pitched, to help illustrate that camping is the perfect base for exploring the very best of the great British outdoors.

Badged as ‘The DG’s 4 Peaks DofE Diamond Challenge’, the activity continues the relationship between The Camping and Caravanning Club and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme in its diamond anniversary year, which has already resulted in an eye-catching media stunt earlier in the year.

TV presenter and Club president, Julia Bradbury, spent the night camping on top of London’s O2 Arena as part of a joint celebration of the DofE’s Diamond Anniversary and The Camping and Caravanning Club’s annual National Camping and Caravanning Week as previously reported on CaravanTimes here.

In a world first, Julia completed the 350m walk to reach the top of The O2 at dusk on 24 May, before pitching her tent on a platform 52m above ground level, the equivalent of almost 12 London buses.

Robert Louden MBE said: “The DofE Diamond Challenge is a fantastic initiative that encourages people of all ages to do something adventurous and get out of their comfort zones in 2016, the charity’s diamond anniversary year. I’ve chosen a pretty demanding physical challenge, but I hope it helps illustrate that camping is the passport to adventures big and small. I hope my challenge inspires Club members and other campers to take on their own challenges.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award chief executive, Peter Westgarth, who joins Robert for the summit ascent of Scafell, said: “We’re delighted Robert has agreed to support us in our Diamond Anniversary year. Camping is a fabulous way to enjoy the outdoors, and doing a Diamond Challenge this year is the perfect opportunity for everyone to have a go at something new while raising much-needed funds for our charity to help us reach out to even more young people. It’s still not too late to sign up and do your very own challenge!”

To donate to this fundraising effort, visit Robert Louden’s Just Giving page here.

UK caravan parks driving growth in honey bee population

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by Joe Jeffrey

Honey Bee Pledge driving growth in bee population, with UK caravan parks leading the way

Gardens across Britain could soon become more honey bee friendly than ever, thanks in part to the lead provided by UK caravan, camping and holiday parks.

That’s the view of parks wildlife advisor Rufus Bellamy who is helping to head a nationwide bee-saving initiative with the British Beekeepers Association.

According to Bellamy, a raft of imaginative measures taken by parks to help bees flourish can, in many cases, be adopted by families inspired by what they see on holiday.

Ideas capable of finding their way back home include the planting of high-nectar bearing blooms, the reduced use of garden chemicals, and even the siting of bee hives.

The parks concerned are among the 550-plus which belong to the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme, pioneered by Bellamy junior’s world-famous botanist father.

Many of these parks have taken the ‘Honey Bee Pledge’ after it was introduced in 2015, and the numbers continue to blossom Bellamy said: “Joining the pledge gives the parks access to practical help in turning their grounds into honey bee sanctuaries, and that’s just what is happening up and down the country.

“They are introducing more flowering plants which provide valuable nectar and pollen in the spring and autumn – and which also benefit other pollinators such as butterflies.

Belly continued: “As part of their honey bee pledge, parks are also providing information so that holiday guests can take their own bee-saving steps, and many say there’s been a keen uptake.

“Flowers such as honeysuckle, foxgloves and heather make fantastic additions to gardens, and bees love them; some parks are even offering bee-friendly seed mixtures to give guests a head start.

“An increasing number of parks now stock delicious honey from their own hives, and this is also an option for many families if they contact their local Beekeepers Association branch.

“Other ideas, easily workable even in town and city gardens, include providing “glamping pods” – such as small tunnels drilled into logs – for species such as the endangered solitary bee.

“Many experts blame the decline of foraging flowers and nesting habitats for the worrying fall in bee numbers – but every home with a garden can play its part,” he went on.

More parks than ever are expected to take the ‘Honey Bee Pledge’ this year, and will be named when the 2016 David Bellamy Conservation Awards are announced in September.

TyreSafe survey reveals over ten million road users’ tyres are dangerous

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by Joe Jeffrey

Warning follows research conducted in conjunction with Highways England

Over ten million UK motorists could drive a vehicle with an illegal and dangerous tyre during 2016 according to results of the most comprehensive survey of its kind. The survey, conducted by TyreSafe in partnership with Highways England, revealed more than 27 per cent of tyres were already illegal when they were replaced – and with many caravanners taking full advantage of UK summertime, figures could equate to more than one-in-four of the 37 million cars on the UK’s roads being driven with a tyre that could cost its driver a £2,500 fine and three penalty points, an MoT failure – or worse.

The survey’s findings confirm fears among road safety stakeholders of a poor attitude towards tyre safety among UK motorists, which is increasing the risk of drivers being involved in an incident. A vehicle’s tyres are the only safety critical component in contact with the road and if unroadworthy the effectiveness of the vehicle’s braking and steering systems are significantly compromised.

In particular, tread depth has a decisive impact on the amount of distance a vehicle takes to stop in the wet, and must be of at least the minimum legal limit (1.6mm). Previous studies have proven that the braking distance of a vehicle with tread of 1.6mm is nearly 12m further than a vehicle with new tyres when braking in the wet from 50mph.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: “The Tread depth survey results are a concern. Figures from the Department for Transport** show that dangerous tyres are the largest single contributory factor in accidents resulting in casualties of any vehicle defect – including brakes. If the number of casualties from tyre-related incidents is to be reduced on our roads, the UK’s motorists need to change their attitude to this primary safety feature and carry out regular checks to ensure their vehicle’s tyres are roadworthy.

“The concern comes not just from the number of illegal tyres at the point of replacement, but also the proportion which were below 2mm – those with just 0.4mm left (half the thickness of a bank card) before reaching the 1.6mm legal minimum. While a tyre is legal at this point, the amount of distance it can cover and remain within the law is difficult to predict and can only be verified by regular checks. TyreSafe’s own research has revealed one-in-five drivers have never checked their tyres and the majority of the remaining vehicle owners do not do so on a regular basis.

“The obvious conclusion is that while one-in-four tyres are illegal at the point of replacement, a further 43% are changed before reaching 1.6mm more by good luck than good judgement. TyreSafe urges drivers to check their tyres regularly before their luck runs out.”

Stuart Lovatt, Safety Action Plan coordinator, said: “Safety is our top priority and we are delighted to have worked in partnership with TyreSafe to undertake this innovative and comprehensive survey on the state of UK tyres. We will continue to support TyreSafe in raising awareness of the importance that tyres play in ensuring that journeys are safe and incident free.”

The results follow a survey of over 340,000 tyres as they were being replaced at 819 retail outlets across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and compiled by TyreSafe. The average proportion of illegal tyres at the point of replacement across the UK was 27.3 per cent, but variances between the four home nations were also highlighted with Wales (29.1 per cent) and particularly Northern Ireland (36.5 per cent) recording a higher proportion of illegal tyres. Scotland’s results were on par with the UK average at 27.4 percent while England recorded the lowest proportion at 26.8 per cent.

However, a concerning trend has been identified in the number of tyres which were illegal and below 2mm at the point of replacement. On average this was 70.4 per cent across all the UK with remarkable consistency in each of the home nations. This figure has increased since last year’s tread depth survey by TyreSafe in partnership with Highways England which revealed 66% of tyres fell into this category. If this trend continues, TyreSafe is warning that higher numbers of dangerous and illegal tyres will be driven on the UK’s roads in 2017.

Motorists can help reduce the risks to themselves and other road users by carrying out tyre checks every month and before long journeys. The air pressure in each tyre should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings and can be found in the owner’s manual, filler cap, door shut or on a plaque in the glove compartment. Tread depth should be over the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm, roughly the same as the rim of a 20p piece which can be used as a guide by inserting into the tyre’s tread. If the rim is visible, the tyre may be illegal and the assistance of a tyre professional should be sought. While checking tread depth, also look out for any lumps, bumps, signs of ageing or scuffing on the tyre which may indicate internal damage. Again, speak to a tyre professional should the driver find anything they are unsure about.

Do you check your tyres regularly before you set off? Let us know below.

Elan Valley in Wales announced as EPIC location

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by Joe Jeffrey

Valley chosen for Visit Wales’ new marketing campaign

Picturesque Elan Valley in Mid Wales has been confirmed as an ‘EPIC’ location for visitors.

The valley has been chosen for the next phase of Visit Wales‘ marketing campaign to promote Wales as an adventure destination. An innovative travelling art installation of giant mirrored letters standing four metres high and 11 metres wide forming the word “EPIC” will pop up unannounced at various locations across Wales over the summer as part of the Year of Adventure campaign.

It was first revealed at Pen y Gwryd, Nant Gwynant and has now left Coed Llandegla to travel to the Elan Valley.

Visitors and local residents are being encouraged to pop along and take a selfie and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #FindYourEpic and #GwladGwlad.

The tour is supported by an integrated publicity and multi-media campaign targeting families and visitors in our core regions in North West England, The Midlands, Yorkshire, London and the South East. 

The signage will be located on the dam above the Dwr Cymru Visitor Centre for two weeks.

The Elan Estate is the largest single area of land owned by any of the national water companies, comprising some 10% of the total belonging to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. The estate has been managed to protect the quality and quantity of the water since 1892.

The 70 square miles of moorland, bog, woodland, river and reservoir are of national importance for their diversity of lower plants and the estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales.

Responsibility for protecting the Elan Valley lies with Welsh Water and The Elan Valley Trust, who manage the largest part of the estate under a long-term lease including the farmland and open hillside.  Both organisations promote public access and recreation; provide environmental education services and work together to enhance biodiversity in this special area.

The Elan Valley lies at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Its unique landscape combines remote hill land, isolated farmsteads, steep-sided wooded valleys and an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering that brought clean water to the then rapidly expanding industrial city of Birmingham.

Around 154,000 visitors a year enjoy the breathtaking scenery, nature, recreational facilities and extensive free educational resources for schools, families and communities.
 

AA survey sees ‘slow’ caravans drop from second to fourth place on summer bugbear list

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by Joe Jeffrey

Drop from second place to fourth as cyclists overtake caravanners

Results of an AA-Populous poll have found that nine per cent of AA members questioned consider ‘slow’ caravans to be their number one bugbear this summer – a drop from 15 per cent just 12 months ago.

The survey, commissioned by the AA and completed by 21,877 AA members, has revealed that peoples’ perceptions of caravans on the road may have altered following the six per cent drop, with ‘slow’ caravans falling from second place to fourth.

Meanwhile, people throwing rubbish out of their vehicles remained as the number one summer bugbear, despite a drop from 34 per cent to 28 per cent when compared to the previous year’s survey.

According to results of the survey, drivers’ top ten summer pet hates are as follows:

1. Car Litter louts
2. Large groups of cyclists
3. Inconsiderate parking
4. Slow caravans
5. Car ghetto blasters
6. Dawdling drivers
7. Sightseers
8. Tractors
9. Overloaded cars
10. Groups of motorcyclists

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said of the findings: “Car litter louts are a needless menace who cost the country millions, spoil our environment and put road workers’ lives at risk. There is no excuse for tossing out litter; car occupants should bag it and bin it at home.

“Many of the other most common pet hates concerned other road users slowing drivers down by being lost, slow or indecisive. Drivers need to be more patient in the summer on the roads because anything can happen.

“By checking your car, planning your route and being prepared, drivers are less likely to get hot under the collar and more likely to reach their destinations safely,” King continued.

What do you think of the results of the survey? It would be interesting to know your thoughts as to why cyclists have now (technically) overtaken slow caravanners. Let us know in the comments below.

IAM RoadSmart calls on government to show more ‘strong leadership’ to cut down on stagnant road death figures

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by Joe Jeffrey

Road safety organisation calls for more government focus in attempt to cut down on road fatalities

Leading UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has called on the government to provide more effort in highlighting drink-drive campaigns and rehabilitation, as well as better focus on the enforcement of driving standards and increased education on road safety in an attempt to reduce the statistics surrounding stagnant road casualty numbers revealed by the Department for Transport (DFT) last week (4 August).

The charity said that after decades of good progress, the past five years have seen a disappointing plateau which is not acceptable.

The figures published have revealed there has been no reduction in drink-drive deaths since 2010 – remaining at 240 deaths a year;  there has been no reduction in total road deaths and a two per cent increase in serious casualties in the past 12 months (to 31 March 2016).

Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at IAM RoadSmart, said of the results: “The government must get to grips with five years of disappointing figures now. It needs to show stronger leadership to really drive down road deaths and serious injuries in the future. 

“Road deaths are a serious issue; 35 people a week die in crashes throughout the country. In any other sphere, 35 deaths would provoke national outrage, rule the headlines for months and provoke urgent government action. It happens week in week out on our roads and it merits barely a mention. 

“More action on drink driving, more on-road enforcement of driving standards and more publicity and education are urgently needed if we are to return to the gains made before 2010. 

“IAM Roadsmart urges the government to take back the initiative and put forward credible plans to address this vital issue.”

What do you think about the figures published? Do you feel the government could do more in an attempt to cut down on road casualties? Let us know in the comments below.

The Caravan Club nominated for three Family Traveller Awards for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Cast your vote now in go-to expert awards for 2016

The Caravan Club has been nominated for three categories in this year’s Family Traveller Awards.

The awards, organised by the go-to experts for travelling with children, sees the Club shortlisted for Best UK Accomodation for Families, Best Multi-generational Family Holiday Provider, and Best Family Festival for The Big Little Tent Festival (BLTF).

It comes as no surprise The Caravan Club has been nominated for three awards by Family Traveller for 2016 considering its efforts in making the popular UK pastime of caravanning something for all ages to embrace, with an emphasis on providing fun for kids through a number of initiatives introduced; these include the Club’s focus on family friendly sites, the Big Little Tent Festival, as well as the introduction of the Tourer Explorer scheme which turn kids into nature detectives and outdoor adventurers at over 66 sites across the UK.

The judges for the awards set to take place will be TV and radio presenter Mariella Frostrup, BBC’s go-to travel documentary film maker Simon Reeve; travel editor at The Times Jane Knight, travel and lifestyle director of Elle Magazine, Sue Ward Davies; editor of Family Traveller, Jane Anderson, and the readers of Family Traveller.

To cast your vote now and to have your say, click here. Voting closes on 20 September.

Adria to sponsor 2016 National Feast of Lanterns Rally

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by Joe Jeffrey

NFOL set to return for 2016 across August bank holiday weekend

Caravan and motorhome manufacturers Adria have been announced as sponsors for the National Feast of Lanterns (NFOL), set to take place at Three Counties Showground, in Malvern, between 25 and 29 August 2016.

The theme for NFOL, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s national rally which takes place every year, will be ‘World of Movies’ and will feature the Club’s traditional Mardi Gras parade and lighting up ceremony.

The event will also host a great deal of activities across the weekend, including live music, circus acts, a children’s fun fair, go-karting, stunt displays and much more, guaranteed to provide a host of entertainment for adults, children and families alike.

NFOL will also enable those in attendance to explore the Malvern Hills, often described as a miniature mountain range, containing some of the oldest rocks in Britain set across 3,000 acres of open countryside.

To book your pitch, click here now.

NCC discusses the importance of advancements in motorhome industry

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by Joe Jeffrey

Important issues discussed at NCC’s Motorhome Forum

The National Caravan Council (NCC) have discussed the need for product safety, use of advanced materials and new innovations for the motorhome industry amongst other topics of interest at their recent Motorhome Forum, attended by manufacturers, dealers, and service companies all engaged in the motorhome sector.

The event, which was designed to promote best practice and contribute to ongoing NCC work further raising industry standards, also gave attendees the opportunity to discuss how to improve aspects of the motorhome proposition for the benefit of consumers.

First up, on the importance of building motorhomes that are lighter and more fuel-efficient, the use of composite technology was highlighted. Currently used in the automative industry, with BMW in particular at the forefront of innovation, the NCC aims to concentrate further focus on how similar technologies could be used going forward.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, the importance of product safety was also discussed. All new motorhomes placed onto the market for sale in the UK must, by law, be either European Whole Vehicle Type Approved, National Small Series Approved or National Individual Vehicle Approved. These cover the base vehicle. NCC Product Approval, which complements this and provides proof that the habitation area complies with all relevant safety standards, was also discussed. Together, it gives end users peace of mind that the motorhome they are purchasing is safe for use on the road and as living accommodation. It was subsequently agreed that the NCC will continue raising awareness of these approvals so that consumers are better able to recognise, in particular, the NCC Approved badge and truly understand the benefits of buying Approved motorhomes.

NCC membership services director, Frank Finch, said: “The NCC was delighted by the member response to our Motorhome Forum – there are few substitutes for getting representatives from across an industry together face-to-face. The high-level speakers that participated, including those from UK Trade & Investment and The Vehicle Certification Agency, inspired plenty of conversation and actions. The NCC now looks forward to implementing these to help improve the industry for the benefit of consumers and members alike.”
 

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