Beware of a hired trailer

The unroadworthiness of trailers which are hired by HGV operators is a very common cause of roadside prohibitions in UK. A prudent operator should be very aware of the condition of a trailer before he takes hire of it.

Once a trailer is pulled on to the public highway, it is the responsibility and liability of the operator pulling it. On collection of a trailer, an operator should ensure there is a valid mot, the trailer has had its last safety inspection in line with its own maintenance schedule and a very thorough check should be performed to ensure the trailer is roadworthy. A written defect report should be completed to this effect. Particular attention should be given to the tyres. There is a common misconception that a trailer is the responsibility of the business it is hired from, particularly if the period of hire is very short. This is not the case. Poorly maintained trailers can seriously affect the compliance score on your operator licence so ensure you ask all the right questions and do the right checks first.