Horsebox Parking Ticket Stirs Protest in Cornwall

Members of the equine community in Cornwall are up in arms thanks to a recent parking ticket issued at Par beach. The ticket was issued in relation to a local ordinance that prohibits HGV horseboxes from being parked in the lot and one of the area’s most popular beaches. Hundreds of people protested the ticket by writing letters to the Cornwall Council.

The protest is based on two disagreements, the first of which is the fact that the offender in question appears to own a non-HGV horsebox. The regulation specifically prohibits lorry-style horseboxes because of their size and weight. There is question as to whether this particular horsebox met the requirements to be ticketed.

The second issue of protest is the fact that the equine community has been using Par beach for decades. The woman who was ticketed told the media she and her family have been riding on the beach, as part of a post-Christmas tradition, for the last nine years. She acknowledged the fact that horses are banned from the beach on holidays and during the busy tourist season, but she and her 13-year-old daughter were there at a time when the beach was nearly deserted.

The Cornwall equine community maintains the beach is a favourite riding spot and has been for decades. They also say that until now, there has never been an issue with parking non-HGV horseboxes during times when the beach is not being used heavily. For their part, the Cornwall Council says the ordinance is in place to protect the integrity of the parking lot. However, the council has also indicated they will rethink the ordnance in light of the recent protest.

Horsebox Operation in the UK

Members of the equine community should be aware that there are specific regulations in place regarding licence requirements for operating horseboxes in the UK. Smaller horseboxes and horsebox trailers that do not exceed a certain weight do not require any special training or an upgraded licence. However, lorry-style and HGV horseboxes do require an enhanced licence. If you are unsure of what is required in your situation, you can check the GOV.UK website or contact us here at the HGV Training Centre.

We offer HGV horsebox driver training at more than 45 facilities around the UK. We also offer individual trailer towing lessons even if you do not need an enhanced licence for your horsebox. Keep in mind that towing a horsebox trailer can be challenging even under ideal conditions. It is a good idea to undergo regular training even if you do not need a special licence.

That said, our training for HGV horseboxes would prepare you to take the tests necessary to earn an enhanced licence. We will teach you everything you need to know about hazard avoidance, highway safety, and operating your horsebox on the public roads. For more information about our driving programmes, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Sources:

Western Morning News – http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Riders-protest-parking-ban-keeping-beach/story-20717950-detail/story.html