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Mobile home weight warning
A NUMBER of caravans and mobile homes were found to be overloaded during an advice day organised by a council's safety officials.
Caravan and motor home owners are being reminded to check the weight limit on their vehicles following an event organised by Durham County Council.
Two motor homes were even found to exceed their weight limit before being packed with equipment.
Joanne Waller, the council's head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: "Most single axle caravans have a very low weight limit and people are often unaware of how small an amount their caravan can carry safely.
"Once extra appliances such as microwaves, awnings and outdoor equipment are loaded up, many vehicles are often at their limit."
The advice session took place at a weigh station just off the A19 at Wellfield, between Thornley and Castle Eden.
Visitors were able to pick up tips and advice as well as checking the weight of their vehicle and individual items of equipment.
A representative from the National Caravan Council was also on hand to talk about issues including tyre safety and using the correct mirrors when towing.
Further advice events are being planned for the future.
For more information contact the local authority's trading standards safety team on (0191) 3833729 or email tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk.
Further advice is also available from the Highways Agency's Fit to Tow website at www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/16293.aspx
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Weather for Hartlepool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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