The 8 things you must do to your Xmas tree this | Tech News

Eight million actual out of doors and indoor Christmas trees are offered within the UK yearly – however (*8*)motoring specialists have warned driving them home may land you with a £5,000 superb. A new nationwide survey by The AA reveals 25% of drivers plan to transport a Christmas tree by car or van this festive season – but 91% are unaware how they do it may very well be breaking the law. 

In reality, 15% of us do not perceive the total breadth of penalties of doing this incorrectly which, if inflicting harmful driving, may even embrace a driving ban. From obstructed views to free hundreds, unsafe tree transport doesn’t simply risk harm to your vehicle – it may trigger some severe hazard to different street customers.

Now The AA have drawn up an eight-point checklist of probably the most common tree transport blunders that you may get a motoring superb for when bringing home your Norwegian pine. 

So what are the motoring guidelines we may very well be at risk of breaking? 

Rule 98 of The Highway Code states that: “You must secure your load and it must not stick out dangerously. Make sure any loads are properly fastened and that they do not obscure your view or vehicle lights.” 

But regardless of this clear steering, many motorists proceed to make pricey errors every December. 

Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, explains: “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 suppose it’s simply a short journey home from the garden centre, an unsecured load may price you hundreds in fines or worse, trigger a collision.” 

The most common tree transport blunders: 

1 – Tying trees directly to the car roof without roof bars or proper straps 

2 – Driving with the boot open and the tree sticking out 

3 – Obscuring mirrors or the rear view with branches 

4 – Covering lights or number plates with branches 

5 – Using flimsy twine instead of ratchet straps or correctly fitted bungee cords 

6 – Failing to check that the tree’s weight is within the vehicle’s roof limits 

7 – Failing to safely secure the tree inside the cabin which cause internal damage 

8 – Failing to consider overhead hazards such as low bridges

How you could be prosecuted: 

For insecure loads or obstructed vision (Highway Code Rule 98): £100 on-the-spot fine and 3 penalty points. 

For driving without due care and attention (Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 3): Fine of up to £5,000 and 3–9 penalty points. 

For dangerous driving (Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 2A): Driving ban, requirement to retake your test, and a potential custodial sentence. 

For causing injury or damage due to a loose load: Potential insurance invalidation and liability for damages. 

Shaun advises drivers: “If your tree received’t match comfortably inside, use roof bars and secure it with robust ratchet straps. 

“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. 

“Remember these three steps earlier than transporting the tree: Check your load: Ensure your tree is securely tied down earlier than driving; Drive gently: Avoid sharp braking and sudden manoeuvres when carrying a load and Plan for overheads: If transporting the tree on the roof, verify your route earlier than setting off for any overhead obstructions. 

“If you’re in any doubt, ask the staff at the garden centre to help you secure it. Alternatively, some companies offer a local delivery service for a fee – for peace of mind this might be a sensible option.”