NTTA Free Trailer Safety Checks

‘Important’ trailer safety scheme backed by Bristol MP and road safety Minister

A new initiative aimed at improving the safety of towed trailers on roads has received government backing, after a Bristol MP highlighted it in Parliament.

Karin Smyth MP, who has been campaigning on trailer safety following a constituency tragedy, drew attention in the Commons to a new being scheme run by the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) which allows members of the public a Free Trailer Safety Check from its participating members.

At Transport Questions (13 July 2017) the Labour MP drew attention to the scheme, as part of a discussion she initiated about trailer safety on UK roads: “Will he offer his support to a new road safety initiative from the National Trailer and Towing Association which will see member organisations across the country offering free towing safety inspections to members of the public?”

Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman MP paid tribute to the Labour MP’s work on the issue, and praised what he called an ‘important’ initiative from the NTTA.

He said: “I am delighted the National Trailer and Towing Association has established the scheme so that people can go to one of their participating service centres and get a visual inspection and report on their trailers."

“This should make a difference in assisting trailer owners to identify and have any defects rectified. And not only do I welcome this initiative, I welcome the fact that they and other organisations are working closely with government in order to improve the safety of towed trailers.”

Karin Smyth has campaigned for better trailer safety since being approached by constituents Donna and Scott Hussey whose three year old son, Freddie, was killed when a trailer came loose in Bedminster, Bristol in 2014.

He also told the Commons that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency publicity campaign #TowSafe4Freddie named in honour of Freddie Hussey, aiming to improve driver education on the issue, is to be relaunched this summer, and reminded MPs that the government has recently been consulting on laws relating to causing death by careless and dangerous driving

Karin Smyth will meet Jesse Norman on 19th July 2017 in a bid to make further progress.