CARAVAN and motorhome owners will face on the spot safety checks as lockdown restrictions ease this summer.

Drivers risk being hit with hefty fines and even penalty points on their licence for failing to use caravans or motorhomes safely. The move comes after experts are concerned about a possible surge in staycation holidays due to international travel quarantine rules.

The DVSA anticipates many will instead head to UK outdoor destinations with their caravans and trailers. With no prospect of a foreign holiday for many and lockdown savings in the bank, some drivers may be travelling with recently purchased equipment which they have not tried out.

Data from the DVSA roadside checks show caravans and trailers can experience problems with a range of key safety equipment.

Around one in six caravans stopped by the DVSA were found to have serious safety issues.

Issues detected by the DVSA included issues with the motorhome’s lights and issues with the breakaway cables.

Poor brakes which could lead to accidents were also identified as a possible safety defect.

According to GOV.UK, the equipment used with a trailer or caravan must meet certain safety standards and used correctly.

They warn drivers could be issued fines of up to £2,500 for using a vehicle while it is in a dangerous condition.