Visitors planning to take a caravan to the forthcoming Royal Welsh Show are urged to make sure it’s safe and roadworthy.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers are aware that for many, their caravans are used once a year to attend the prestigious event.

This can often lead to caravans in desperate need of repair being taken on a road trip with no real consideration of whether it is safe to use. Poorly looked after caravans, which could pose a danger to the public, can also influence poor behaviour once on the showground.

Such behaviour could result in people being removed from the show, or could even be refused entry upon arrival.

In the countdown to the show, which opens on Monday, July 24, officers have issued advice on how to make sure a caravan is fit for purpose.

The advice is being given as part of Dyfed-Powys Police’s summer campaign, which aims to help people who live in and visit the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys to safely enjoy what the areas have to offer over the summer.

The campaign, entitled #EnjoyDPP, offers practical advice to help people enjoy the towns, beaches, mountains and events in the four counties.

Chief Inspector Matt Scrase said: “We see a high number of visitors staying in touring caravans for the full duration of the show. Some bring caravans which I’m amazed even make the journey to the end of the road!

“This may be a cost-effective way for people to enjoy the full duration of what the Royal Welsh Show has to offer, but in all seriousness it could come with a high price if the condition of the caravan were to cause a road traffic collision or cause some sort of incident on the caravan site.

"As well as ensuring caravans are road-worthy, respect and consideration needs to be shown to people’s property, which includes their caravans, once on the showground. We want everyone to enjoy the Royal Welsh Show safely and peacefully and where any issues arise we will take appropriate police action.”

“I strongly advise people to use some time in the lead-up to the Royal Welsh Show to make sure their caravans are in a suitable condition to make the journey to Builth Wells.

“We will be carrying out spot checks on caravans making their way to the show and if defects are found we could seize the caravan for everyone’s safety.”

• Your caravan must be registered so it can legally be driven on the roads • Check coupling and safety chains are in good condition

• Ensure brakes and external lights are working correctly

• Check wheels, tyres, wheel bearings and suspensions are in good condition. This is particularly important if the caravan has been stationary for some time

• Tyres should be all the same type and size and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. also check the pressure

• The spare wheel is in good condition and present

• Check gas bottles are full, turned off and secured

• Be sure you know how to attach your caravan to the towing vehicle safely.

Ensure that stabilisers, breakaway cables and lighting cables are all attached.