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Driving
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 22/07/2008, 10:37
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ErnieY
 
Joined on 05/12/2006
W of Cahors (46)
Posts 4,178
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I can't dispute what you say SD and an ostensibly noble cause it is, however, as you yourself say, foreign vans will, in both theory and practice, also comply with the regulations and therefore be equally safe in their standard condition.
Given that, what reasonable safety based motive can the French have to insist that they conform to their particular interpretation, protectionism and revenue generation as mentioned are 2 obvious candidates. The reverse scenario of importing a foreign van into UK does not give rise to the same obstacles and we all know how infuriatingly and blindly the UK authorities promote and tow the 'elf and safety' line ![Woot! [:-))]](/cs/images/emotions/w00t.gif)
Judging by the 'optional' approach frequently adopted by the French in other areas of safety, the distinct lack of proper or adequate PPE worn by building and construction workers being one obvious instance, it would seem hypocritical in the extreme for them to claim to be in vanguard of the safety culture !
I thank you for your concern for my safety and welfare BTW ![Big Smile [:D]](/cs/images/emotions/biggrin.gif)
My doctor said one drink per day, I can live with that !
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22/07/2008, 20:32
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Sunday Driver
Joined on 07/10/2005
Deux Sevres (79)
Posts 3,182
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 ErnieY wrote: | |
Given that, what reasonable safety based motive can the French have to insist that they conform to their particular interpretation, protectionism and revenue generation as mentioned are 2 obvious candidates. The reverse scenario of importing a foreign van into UK does not give rise to the same obstacles and we all know how infuriatingly and blindly the UK authorities promote and tow the 'elf and safety' line
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Sorry, but your comments suggest that you are not aware of the actual position regarding caravans.
All new caravans sold in the EU since (IIRC) 2003 must have EU compliance certificates (EN 1949, EN 721 and EN 1646-1) covering their gas and electricity systems for the prevention of risks of fire, explosion and asphyxiation. Those certificates are recognised and valid for registration in France, so for a late UK caravan, no additional checks are required. However, older UK caravans don't come safety certified, so it's no surprise that the French will want to have them examined. Nothing to do with those tired old chestnuts of protectionism or revenue generation...
Imports into the UK are different because, unlike France, there is no registration system in place in the UK to control compliance. At least in France, you get a type approval certificate confirming that the chassis and braking systems are up to scratch and that the gas and electricity systems are unlikely to kill you.
On that basis, I don't see how making sure an older caravan is safe to use can honestly be described as an 'obstacle'......
Waddya mean it's only Saturday......
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22/07/2008, 20:51
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ErnieY
Joined on 05/12/2006
W of Cahors (46)
Posts 4,178
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You're quite right SD, I was unaware of that so thank you for putting me right.
Even in the light of this revelation I still think it a bit unfair to insist an older van be made compliant with current French standards when it would be a fairly simple procedure to inspect an existing configuration. Despite the differences in equipment a competant and experienced examiner should be able to make a reasonable appraisal of it's safety.
If safety is the primary concern then I wonder why it is that there there are no ongoing or repeat checks. What guarantee is there that a 10 year old French caravan will be less unsafe than it's UK counterpart ?
My doctor said one drink per day, I can live with that !
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France Forum » Living » Driving » Re: caravan registration
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