You’re packing your car all wrong this Christmas – here’s how to do it and avoid a £2,500 fine

DRIVERS are being urged to pack their cars properly on the roads during the holiday season.

Thousands of people will load their cars with gifts as they travel across the country to and from loved ones during this festive season.

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The car experts from Junk car comparison are at your side and have put together some tips to ensure we all get home safely this Christmas.

The first tip is to make sure you have packed your luggage in a way that will not affect your ability to drive.

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Under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1898, it is an offense to use a vehicle where there is a risk of injury to anyone.

This can include offenses where the load on the vehicle is not properly secured and carries a maximum penalty of £2,500 and three penalty points.

It’s also important to think about how the weight of your luggage is distributed.

Try to load the heaviest items first and position them at the bottom and center of the vehicle, with lighter items slotted in at the top and sides.

And it’s important to make sure you can see out of windows and mirrors at all times, so it’s best to avoid stacking things too high in the car, too.

Luggage or gifts that are packed too high can slide around and cause injuries if you brake suddenly.

Dan Gick, Managing Director of Scrap Car Comparison said: “Taking the road at Christmas is always exciting, with the festive tunes and good cheer that comes with visiting friends and family sure to set the mood for everyone to lift.

“However, with the additional cargo we are likely to be carrying in our vehicles, it is important to take our time and not rush to pack as misarranging luggage in the vehicle can be dangerous in more ways than one.

“While packing the car and preparing for a road trip isn’t a fun task, it definitely pays off in making sure you get to your destination safely and without hiccups en route.”