Box Clever

Bigger isn’t always better and with new legislation affecting horseboxes many are now downsizing to save money and avoid the new, stricter, regulations.

Any vehicle over 7.5 tonne is now classed as an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) and requires an operator’s licence if driven for business. Additionally vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will require a tachograph and must be plated and serviced by a specialist mechanic rather than requiring just a standard MOT. Professional drivers of vehicles over 7.5 tonne require a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and become subject to work and time directives.

Trailers are a popular alternative, but anyone who took their test after 1997 now needs a special licence to pull a trailer and some find them difficult to manoeuvre. Additionally, trailers have a serious impact on fuel economy and many are now switching to van-sized 3.5 tonne horseboxes. Not only are the new 3.5 tonne boxes more economical to run than a car and trailer but they can also be driven by anyone with a standard driving licence.

The impact of the new legislation and the drive to reduce costs is a large increase in the number of larger second-hand horseboxes in the market. It a great time to pick-up a bargain, so if you’re on the lookout for a larger horsebox then take a look at our second-hand selection now.

second-hand selection now, email us at info@closeequinefinance.co.uk or call Nigel Bretherton 07795 615835 (North), Richard Stone 07796 005392 (South) or Ross Pickburn 07900 211425 (Scotland).