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[Psychoca]

I'll add http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/preparing/hitching.aspx to that... 

It say's that using the towball as a last resort...

So, indeed question it...

Attach safety breakaway cable(s) to the rear of vehicle. This cable will apply the hand brake if for any reason the trailer becomes detached whilst towing. (Clip the breakaway cable onto the special rings some towbars have or loop it around the bar, making sure it cannot foul the coupling head. Do not loop it round the towball neck unless you can find no alternative.) Check that the breakaway and lighting cables have enough slack for cornering but will not touch the ground.

[vauxfan2k]

direct quote from that site:

Attach safety breakaway cable(s) to the rear of vehicle. This cable will apply the hand brake if for any reason the trailer becomes detached whilst towing. (Clip the breakaway cable onto the special rings some towbars have or loop it around the bar, making sure it cannot foul the coupling head. Do not loop it round the towball neck unless you can find no alternative.) Check that the breakaway and lighting cables have enough slack for cornering but will not touch the ground


so no mention that its not legal to have it looped round the towball neck.

will be passing all relevant info on, hopefully he can get his fine removed.

[Psychoca]

beat me to it... lol...

[Cliffo B]

I think the pig tail bracket you mention could be your answer dont forget what is required is a snatch on in the event of tow ball disengagement I think the pig tail will be strong enough as this will apply the caravan brake ratchet permanently on as it is when the van is parked up.

[tidla]

um, our van tow bars look nothing like that, and ive never seen one on any omega like that either, so unless its related to a certain age of car onwards.

seems he was warned that he could recieve 3 points, but was given the £60 fine for towing an insecure trailer.
 :-/

Ill take a pic of our vans towbar tomorrow and let you see why we are stumped.

it's different cos that's a picture of a USA tow bar.

I'd question the fine & points cos Al-ko - chassis manufacture - recommend that it's looped over the towball. http://92.52.96.201/faqs_detail.asp?id=1713

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Quick%20Guide%20to%20Towing%20Small%20Trailers%20Feb%2008.pdf

key note is "refer to manufacturer"