Škoda research finds four in five drivers lack confidence to tow

More than 80 per cent of drivers would not be confident in towing a trailer or caravan for the first time, new Škoda research has found.

A new regulation change came into effect in December 2021, which allows fully qualified drivers to tow up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) without additional training. However, despite these revised rules, only 14 per cent of respondents were aware of them.

Towing difficulties

Of the 39 per cent of respondents who had experience of towing a trailer, 55 per cent said the biggest issue was reverse parking, and 50 per cent found difficulty with manoeuvres in general. Some admitted to hitting items whilst towing including a gate post, a corner of a building and a lamp post.

Despite the rules being relaxed on qualifications required to tow, drivers can still face fines of up to £2,500 if the correct tow bar is not used – they must meet EU regulations and be designed specifically for the vehicle. Extended mirrors should also be fitted to avoid an additional £1,000 fine.

Towing with Škoda

Tow bars are available as an option on every model in the Škoda UK model range, from the small Fabia to the electric Enyaq iV.

The Karoq was named Towcar of the Year at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2023, and won further top honours at the What Car? Tow Car Awards 2022 alongside the Scala.

The Kodiaq L&K is available with additional technologies to make even lighter work of towing for customers, with the optional Trailer Assist and an electrically folding tow bar. It can steer a trailer or caravan to a chosen point when reversing while also displaying a clear area view on the vehicle’s central touchscreen.

Additionally, Blind Spot Detect uses sensors to monitor the area around the car, allowing it to identify other vehicles up to a distance of 20 metres.