This article is from page 13 of the 2012-01-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE day of farmers bringing a few cattle to the mart in a car trailer is coming to an end, unless the next generation apply for a new specific driving licence.
The majority of driving licences issued before 1989 allowed drivers to tow a relatively heavy trailer behind their domestic car.
Newer licences are more specific however. The majority of motorists hold a ‘B licence’ which allows them to drive a car and tow a light trailer that does not exceed 750 kg in weight.
To tow a trailer in excess of 750kg, the driver must also hold an ‘E licence’.
While many older motorists have an ‘EB licence’, the younger generation are required to apply for a provisional ‘E licence’ and then a full licence if they are to tow anything heavy behind their car.
At the first meeting of the Joint Policing Committee this year, chairman Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) raised the concerns of local farmers and these driving regulations.
“The days of towing a good hefty cow after you on a trailer are gone,” he said.
Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan explained that the driver could be in trouble if he/she did not have an EB licence.
Supt O’Sullivan said it was more of an issue for insurance, as the driver would not be covered in the event of an accident.
The superintendent advised those motorists intending to tow a trailer, or any other such item, to tell their insurance company at time of renewal.
Car drivers without a specialised licence can, however, tow a small trailer as long as it and its contents weigh less than 750kg and their car is over 3, 500kg in weight.
Community representative on the committee Richard Cahill said this traffic law was counter-productive when it came to promoting local tourism.
He argued that this prevented families taking caravan holidays, as they could not tow the caravan without the specialised licence.
Cllr John Crowe (FG) described the licensing law as “another attack on rural Ireland”.