FLEETS ordering towbars to be fitted to new cars from August 1 have been warned to check the equipment meets new safety standards. All S-plated vehicles suitable for towing should only be fitted with towbars which have passed European type approval, but Britain's biggest manufacturer of towbar equipment says there is confusion in the fitting market over which brackets and bars comply with EC Directive 94/20/EC.

Brendan Witter, managing director of Chester-based Witter Towbars said: 'When talking to towbar fitters outside the Witter dealer network, it became very apparent that there was considerable uncertainty over the new law. Some towbar manufacturers are unprepared for the changeover and seem to have been caught unawares. Fitters, operators and drivers need to ensure towbars are type approved.'

Failure to fit EC-approved towbars on new passenger vehicles used for towing and registered on or after August 1 could leave fitters, fleets and company car drivers open to fines under the Road Traffic Act's construction and use section.