Should we keep our favourite park-up spots a secret?
As we all know, caravan towing should be done in a careful manner, keeping to a reduced speed to avoid any incidents. It might make us a little slower on the road, but this is the norm and the right thing to do. However, most seasoned caravaners have at some point felt that little twinge of anxiety that appears when they glance in the rearview mirror and see a long line of cars stretching back behind them.
Suddenly, the big question arises: should you pull over to let them pass, or should you keep going at your own steady speed?
Let’s discuss…
Your right to the road - as well as being considerate to others
Caravan drivers have the same rights as anyone else on the road, and you should never feel bullied into speeding up, even if someone is honking at you. Travelling at a steady and safe speed is perfectly acceptable - and necessary. After all, cars that are towing caravans are heavier - and the whole setup is longer than just a standard vehicle - and rushing to keep other people happy is not worth the risk of an accident.
That said, part of responsible towing is recognising how your driving affects other road users. A caravan and tow car combination can be harder to overtake, especially on single-carriageway roads, and long queues behind you can lead to frustration. Pulling over, when it’s safe to do so, is likely not only courteous but also reduces the chance of impatient drivers doing some risky overtaking.
What does the law say?
In the UK, rule 169 of the Highway Code requires slower vehicles to pull over if they’re holding up traffic and it’s safe to do so. In some areas, particularly rural routes with passing places, there may even be signs reminding drivers of this responsibility. While you’re unlikely to be penalised for simply driving within the law, ignoring queues for long stretches can be seen as inconsiderate driving - and it’s much less stressful to simply make space when you can.
This rule is a ‘do not’ request, which is an advisory requirement giving strong advice to drivers. The actual rule is as follows: Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.
Ok, so when should you pull over?
Here are some practical suggestions:
When traffic is clearly building up behind you
If you see a significant queue forming in your mirrors, that’s a sign it’s time to start looking for a safe place to let others past. Even five or six cars can feel like a lot on a rural road…
On single-carriageway roads with limited overtaking opportunities
Drivers behind may have no safe way of getting past, and this is when tempers can start to rise. Pulling into a layby or a designated pull-in area can help to ease the flow for everyone.
When a safe spot presents itself
Wide laybys, picnic areas, or clearly marked pull-ins are the ideal places. Slowing suddenly on a narrow lane or verge is unsafe and should always be avoided.
On steep climbs
Towed caravans can often slow significantly on hills. If there’s a crawler lane or passing place, it makes sense to use it so that faster traffic can get by.
When towing through scenic or tourist areas
These routes often attract a mix of local drivers and visitors, and roads can be narrow and winding. Being mindful of those behind you makes for a calmer journey for all…
When not to pull over…
Just as important as knowing when to let traffic past is knowing when not to. Never pull into a spot that feels too tight for your caravan, risks damaging the tyres on kerbs, or forces you to brake sharply. Don’t stop on blind corners, junctions or soft verges that could cause you to sink or get stuck. Your safety must always come before courtesy, in all honesty.
Ultimately, pulling over in your caravan isn’t about ‘giving in’ to the cars behind you - it’s about making the road safer for everyone. Relieving a tailback means you can relax without that constant mirror-checking anxiety, and other drivers can continue their journeys without frustration. Everyone wins, essentially!
So - the next time you find yourself with a queue of cars behind your caravan, don’t panic. Just keep an eye out for a safe and suitable spot, pull over when you can, and carry on at your own pace. And ignore any horn honking!
