Drivers around the country could risk almost £5,000 in fines and damage to their cars in the coming days as Britons prepare for the festive period.
With Christmas less than two weeks away, motorists will be preparing to buy and decorate their Christmas trees to celebrate the holidays.
However, experts are warning that they could face hefty fines when transporting them home, which could leave them with fines, more expensive car insurance costs and even damage to their vehicles.
Drivers should always ensure that they are safe when bringing a Christmas tree home. If it is not properly secured, it can pose serious dangers to other motorists, especially if it falls off.
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Drivers could face massive fines when transporting Christmas trees
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If it does fall off, motorists could be liable for any damage, repairs and medical expenses. They could also see their insurance premium increase by between 20 per cent and 50 per cent if they make a claim.
George Kemp, marketing executive at Harwoods, issued a warning to drivers, saying: “It’s not illegal to transport your Christmas tree home using your car.
“However, if not transported securely, you run the risk of getting fined. Let’s not risk ruining the Christmas spirit.
“Since Christmas trees usually don’t fit inside a vehicle, using a roof rack is a practical and safe solution for transport.”
He called on drivers to consult their car manual to check the maximum roof load which the vehicle can handle, as well as ensure the tree is securely strapped down.
This will protect their car from potential damage and make sure they do not create a dangerous driving environment for themselves and other road users.
He warned that repairing a scratched roof can cost between £90 and £300, depending on the extent of the damage and the make and model of the vehicle.
Similarly, the cost of repairing a damaged window or frame could set people back between £80 and £350.
Drivers can also be fined if they overload their vehicle. Motorists can be slapped with a penalty charge of £100 if it is less than 10 per cent overloaded.
Rule 98 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not overload their vehicle or trailer and not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer.
Charges will be hiked to £200 when it’s 10 to 14 per cent overloaded, or £300 if it’s 15 per cent overloaded, plus three penalty points on their licence.
Further fines could be given out if part of the tree is hanging out of the boot and covering the number plate. This could lead to fines of up to £1,000.
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Experts are calling on drivers to exercise caution this month
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Experts are also encouraging motorists to be sensible when picking out their trees, especially if it does not fit their vehicle.
Kemp emphasised the importance of abiding by all road rules when transporting a tree, especially when monitoring the speed limit.
