Over the last three years we have run some dramatic headlines. However, this issue it’s a little different. We thought long and hard about the story concerning the fatal caravan crash in Walcha, NSW, given that it involves someone’s family and we didn’t want to be accused of sensationalising the issue.

Then, after our brief news story ran on social media, we were contacted by someone directly involved in the accident saga that led to the impending court case, which is the main reason for us running the story. We were asked to publicise the issue of overweight caravans. What you read in this magazine has been approved by the family involved. And we thank them for that.

RV Daily has run many features and guides on the legalities of caravan weights and how to make sure you are within set limits for your tow vehicle and caravan or camper. In fact, many of them are linked in the story I am talking about so you can refer to them – please do.

The question is often asked, does someone have to be killed for the authorities to take action? Sadly, in this case, two people were killed. Whether the police or transport department officers around the nation increase roadside checks of caravan weights as a result of this case remains to be seen. Will it lead to more enforcement of the issue? Although, the practicality of this is something that requires proper process, not a typical reaction by someone in transport remote from the issue invoking an unworkable system.

Having to obtain a valid weighbridge certificate for every trip involving your caravan would prove costly and overburden the network in certain areas, and the local waste management facilities might become a little clogged on a weekend. And the caravan needs an accurate compliance plate from the start too.

Regardless, it’s still your legal responsibility to make sure that you comply with the weight limits specified by the car and caravan manufacturer of your particular set-up. As in the case of the news story, if you cause, or end up in a crash scenario and you’re found to be overweight then the police will prosecute.

Now that’s the point of my column’s headline. I couldn’t believe the nature of some public comments I read regarding this story. How in the world you could arrive at a genuine belief that the prosecution was the work of the ‘fun police’ is beyond me. Now I know it shouldn’t be taken too seriously, the person commenting was probably grandstanding, but given the blatant disregard by some for making sure you’re weight legal, maybe not.

The fun police might stop you riding your jet ski in closed waters or shut down your 2am barbecue and fireworks spectacular. But throw the book at you for causing death due to your (I still have to say alleged here) disregard for everyone’s safety on a public highway? Nope. No laughing matter and no fun police. Seriously.

Please send your comments to me on the email link provided.

THE FUN POLICE? SERIOUSLY?

TIM SCOTT EDITOR - RV DAILY