BEWARE OF DEL BOY TRADERS

THOUSANDS of 'pedlars' selling substandard or fake goods are set to invade town centres as the holiday season gets underway.  Council licensing officers say the Easter weekend and warmer weather mark the start of a summer of illegal street selling, particularly in resort areas, that takes millions of pounds from legitimate businesses.

The pedlars use black bin bags or wheeled trolleys to sell goods such as fake clothes and mobile phone covers. They exploit an outdated law from 1871, and it is very difficult for local councils and police to move them on.  Councils are today calling for the power to designate where pedlars can trade and for greater authority to confiscate goods being peddled. They also recommend the whole pedlar licensing system be overhauled.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, of the Local Government Association, said:- "Pedlars might sound like loveable Del Boys, working out of an old suitcase on the pavement, but they are a huge problem.  Their clutter is an eyesore and the pedlars can become quite aggressive. At busy times they can hijack a high street selling fake goods, or cheap toys and lighters that have often not undergone proper safety checks.  Holidays bring them out and we're expecting a busy Easter weekend. Then over the summer they flock to seaside towns and major town centres. Christmas is also a nightmare. In some town centres the whole footpath gets blocked with trolleys and pallets.  Neighbouring businesses lose a lot of trade. Many smaller shops in town centres are struggling anyway, yet some of these pedlars make £600 a day and have no overheads. It's big business, and we're concerned criminal gangs are involved.  The Government must give all councils the clout to clear pedlars off the streets."

A law from 1871 means pedlars are exempted from street trading laws laid down in 1982, and pedlar certificates are easily obtained from the police. Newcastle city council spent £200,000 on a private act that stamped out a pedlar problem, and London boroughs are subject to similar, separate legislation that defines where pedlars can operate.

Fake goods can be seized by trading standards officers, but the 'temporary' nature of pedlar stalls can make this difficult, and it would not address the other antisocial problems of peddling. Not all councils affected by pedlars have trading standards officers, and the LGA is calling for designated officers at all councils to be able to seize peddled goods, fake or not. Councils also need powers to stop pedlars setting up shop in the first place, whatever they are selling.

CARAVANS CAUSING MOTORING CHAOS

AS EASTER and the start of the caravanning season approaches, the hidden dangers that caravans and other towed objects are bringing to Britain's roads have been revealed by new research by safe driver champion, Privilege Insurance.

24% of drivers who tow caravans, trailers, boats and other objects behind them, many are breaking the law when they drive.  Almost 1 in 10 have driven over 60mph on a motorway when towing. A further seven per cent have used the outside lane of the motorway and the same number have not fixed their vehicle registration mark on the back of the towed object, all offences which are against the law.

According to the Privilege research, other drivers are suffering from the wayward antics of drivers towing objects behind them.  13% of all motorists have been distracted from their driving by another driver towing an object. Of these, 23% drifted out of a lane, with similar numbers having broken the speed limit or almost been involved in an accident.  And while the number of drivers involved in an accident is small with just 4% of drivers who tow, those pulling horse boxes were most likely to have an accident, followed by those towing boats and caravans.

There is also a clear North-South divide with motorists in the North East most likely to have been distracted by a towed object (16%) while those in East Anglia and London are the least likely to be affected (12%).

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, said:- "It is clear from our research that caravans and other towed objects are proving to be a real problem on Britain's roads. Towed objects can be dangerous in their own right, as well as distracting for other drivers, if driven without due care. Therefore it is vital that all road users pay attention to the vehicles around them and give those motorists who are towing extra room on the roads, avoiding the temptation to overtake when it is not safe to do so.  With thousands of caravanners likely to hit the roads over the Easter bank holiday, it is crucial that both caravanners and other motorists alike take extra care on the roads.  It is also a concern that so many motorists are breaking the law when towing. We urge motorists to make themselves familiar with motoring law, before setting out with towed objects attached, to make the roads safer for all."

To help drivers set to take to the roads with towed objects, Privilege is urging them to follow the safe driving tips below:-

1. Reduce your speed when towing an object;
2. Leave extra distance when braking;
3. Secure your trailer properly before driving and check it at every break in the journey;
4. When travelling on a motorway, ensure your trailer doesn't drift out of lane;
5. Give your car and trailer a full motoring check up before you start out on your journey.